A viral social media account has captured widespread attention by compiling videos of individuals threatening violence and theft following the suspension of federal food assistance benefits during the current government shutdown.
The X account “EBT of TikTok” has been aggregating clips from various social media platforms showing users expressing anger and making threats as SNAP benefits face temporary suspension.
The program provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans across the country.
Multiple videos compiled by the account show individuals threatening to loot retail stores or steal food once their benefits cease.
In one video, a woman stated it was time to begin looting because the government had taken away benefits.
Another user in a separate video dismissed those offering faith-based reassurance.
The individual criticized people suggesting divine intervention would provide for those losing benefits, using profanity to express disdain for such sentiments.
The discussion reached mainstream attention when rapper Cardi B posted a seven-minute video addressing the SNAP suspension.
In her video, the celebrity claimed people would need to resort to hunting wildlife for their Thanksgiving meals due to the benefit pause.
Many social media users have incorrectly attributed the benefits suspension directly to President Donald Trump.
These claims suggest the president personally ordered the removal of benefits, though this characterization is inaccurate.
The actual cause of the SNAP suspension is the ongoing government shutdown.
The closure has persisted as Senate Democrats have declined to approve a clean resolution that Republicans have put forward.
The US Department of Agriculture made an announcement last week regarding the Nov. 1 payment schedule.
The agency confirmed that payments would not be distributed on that date, representing a historic first for the program.
This marks the first time in the program’s history that SNAP benefits have been interrupted due to a government shutdown.
The current government closure has already become the second-longest shutdown on record.
The Post Millennial noted that based on its trajectory, it appears likely to become the longest government shutdown in United States history.
A USDA spokesperson provided comments to NBC News regarding the situation.
The spokesperson described the current moment as a critical juncture for Senate Democrats in the ongoing standoff.
The spokesperson framed the decision facing Democrats as a choice between two competing priorities.
The USDA representative emphasized that reopening the government would allow vulnerable populations to receive their benefits.
The spokesperson specifically mentioned mothers, babies and other at-risk individuals who rely on timely WIC and SNAP distributions.
WATCH:
Earlier this month, Resist the Mainstream reported that five major airports refused to broadcast Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s video message about the ongoing government shutdown.
Airport officials cited the video’s political content as the reason for refusing to display it to travelers passing through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
In the video message, Noem addressed travelers directly about potential disruptions to their airport experience during the shutdown.
“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government,” Noem said in the recording.
