Jeff Bridges slams Trump SNAP cuts, warns 700K children could face hunger: 'It doesn't make sense'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges has once again weighed in on the debate surrounding food assistance programs, criticizing cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and warning that hundreds of thousands of children could be left struggling with hunger.

Speaking during a CNN appearance on Wednesday, June 24, Bridges urged lawmakers to prioritize children's access to food and called for efforts to restore benefits that have been reduced under President Donald Trump's administration.

Jeff Bridges slams SNAP cuts

During his appearance on CNN's ‘The Lead’ with Jake Tapper, Bridges expressed concern over reports that more than 700,000 children could lose access to food benefits.

"It's really not about what political party you belong to," Bridges said. "I think we can all agree that our kids, in one of the most wealthy countries in the world, shouldn't be struggling with hunger this way."

The actor pointed to the difficult decisions many parents are forced to make while trying to support their families.

"That parents shouldn't have to choose between paying rent and putting groceries in the refrigerator or on the table. It doesn't make any sense," he said. Bridges warned that many children could face a difficult summer if food assistance programs are not strengthened.

According to the actor, "kids are really heading for a summer where there's going to be a lot of hunger." He added, "It doesn't have to be that way."

Jeff Bridges pushes Congress to restore SNAP

While criticizing the cuts, Bridges also pointed to a potential opportunity for lawmakers to revisit the issue.

The actor referenced ongoing discussions surrounding the Farm Bill, legislation that reauthorizes several domestic food assistance programs and could help delay larger reductions in SNAP benefits.

Bridges said the negotiations provide lawmakers with an opportunity to reconsider the impact of the cuts.

"It's an opportunity to reverse some of these cuts, or delay them anyway," he said.

The actor also encouraged viewers to contact elected officials and push for additional support for struggling families.

"And I'm hoping that everybody that's listening can urge their senators to restore the SNAP benefits for our kids and for our families and for our communities across the country," Bridges added.

Jeff Bridges continues child hunger advocacy

This is not the first time Bridges has publicly spoken out on issues related to childhood hunger and food assistance.

The actor has long been associated with Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, serving as a national spokesperson for the organization and advocating for stronger food security programs.

Bridges has repeatedly argued that the United States has the resources needed to address childhood hunger and has questioned why access to food has continued to become part of political disputes.

During a previous CNN appearance in October, Bridges voiced similar frustrations over the issue.

"It's so bizarre here in the wealthiest country in the world. We have enough food, we have enough money, we have enough programs to end childhood hunger," he said at the time.

The actor also criticized the political battles that often surround food assistance programs, saying, "To use feeding kids as a weapon going back and forth doesn't make any sense."