The plight of 42 million food-stamp recipients is the federal-government shutdown’s most inflammatory issue. Federal judges ordered the Trump administration to pay food-stamp benefits regardless. Team Trump first offered to pay 50% of this month’s benefits, then raised its bid to 65% and now says it will pay 100% while appealing the court case.

Democrats and their media allies claim President Trump is “weaponizing hunger.” Full benefits will likely be paid in the coming weeks as Congress and Trump end their standoff.

Federal spending on food stamps — also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — has soared from $17 billion in 2000 to $100 billion last year. How did so many Americans come to rely on Washington for their next meal?

For the foreseeable future, mil

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