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Policy: The Trump Administration Wants To Make Big Changes To Head Start

Aug 13, 2026 · 44m

Summary

This episode examines the Trump administration’s proposed overhaul of Head Start, featuring Assistant Secretary Alex Adams who defends deregulation as a way to increase access, while critics warn it undermines quality and equity. The discussion then shifts to SNAP, where journalist Leah Douglas and Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Chris Bernard detail how new work requirements and state cost-shares have caused millions to lose benefits. They highlight the resulting food insecurity and the risk of states abandoning the program entirely due to financial pressures.

Topics discussed

Intro: Head Start and SNAP changes Sponsor: Dataiku AI agents Promo: Here and Now Anytime Interview: HHS on Head Start deregulation Listener messages on Head Start Analysis: Head Start research and impacts SNAP cuts and fraud claims fact-check Sponsor: Dataiku AI governance Interview: Oklahoma SNAP crisis Historical context of safety net cuts Outro and credits Promo: All Songs Considered
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