Sen. Lankford says claims that GOP ‘weaponizing hunger’ over SNAP is ‘painful spin’: Full interview

In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) pushed back against Democrats’ claims that Republicans are ‘weaponizing hunger’ by withholding SNAP funding, and called on the party to ‘just fix the problem’ by voting to reopen the government.

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SearchSearchFacebookTwitterEmailSMSBlue SkyWhatsappPrintRedditFlipboardPinterestLinkedinLatest StoriesMeet the PressU.S. NewsPoliticsWorldSportsCultureShoppingTiplineBusinessHealthScienceSen. Lankford says claims that GOP ‘weaponizing hunger’ over SNAP is ‘painful spin’: Full interviewNov. 9, 202512:11Hakeem Jeffries says ‘I hope’ shutdown ends before Thanksgiving: Full interview12:52Now PlayingSen. Lankford says claims that GOP ‘weaponizing hunger’ over SNAP is ‘painful spin’: Full interview12:11UP NEXTGOP 'playing politics with hunger' as judge orders SNAP funding, Rep. Debbie Dingell says18:51Election results show voters 'want leaders focused on their problems,' says Virginia Democrat12:43Gavin Newsom says Trump ‘rigging the game’ with redistricting push: Full interview48:30Masih Alinejad says 'justice is beautiful' after sentencing of men who tried to kill her07:57Trump admin. treating Americans who rely on SNAP as ‘political pawns,’ says California AG06:42Hassett: ‘If SNAP benefits run dry, it's because they haven't been funded by the Democrats’09:00Republicans ‘should’ eliminate filibuster or work with Democrats on shutdown, House Democrat says08:33Lawmakers need ‘genuine’ conversations to end government shutdown, says House Democrat07:11Ruben Gallego says Trump strikes on alleged drug boats are ‘sanctioned murder’: Full interview08:03Marcus Samuelsson defends restaurant workers amid immigration raids: Full interview36:31Scott Bessent says China ‘ready to make a deal’ to avoid new 100% tariff: Full interview15:20Rep.-elect Grijalva call on Speaker Johnson to ‘do his job’ and swear her in06:53'This is a failure in governing': Senate Democrat works with GOP to end shutdown09:42Trump canceling Putin meeting a ‘positive’, but ‘actual pressure’ is needed: House Democrat09:55Dr. Oz says Trump has a plan to replace Obamacare, 'wouldn't extend' Covid-era subsidies11:41Tim Kaine slams GOP’s ‘empty offer’ to trade health care vote for ending shutdown: Full interview09:55Rand Paul says he ‘will support’ paying federal employees but not ending shutdown: Full interview10:02Zelenskyy says Trump must apply ‘more pressure’ on Putin than Hamas: Full interview22:17Meet the PressSen. Lankford says claims that GOP ‘weaponizing hunger’ over SNAP is ‘painful spin’: Full interview12:11CopiedIn an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) pushed back against Democrats’ claims that Republicans are ‘weaponizing hunger’ by withholding SNAP funding, and called on the party to ‘just fix the problem’ by voting to reopen the government.Nov. 9, 2025

onHakeem Jeffries says ‘I hope’ shutdown ends before Thanksgiving: Full interview12:52Now PlayingSen. Lankford says claims that GOP ‘weaponizing hunger’ over SNAP is ‘painful spin’: Full interview12:11UP NEXTGOP 'playing politics with hunger' as judge orders SNAP funding, Rep. Debbie Dingell says18:51Election results show voters 'want leaders focused on their problems,' says Virginia Democrat12:43Gavin Newsom says Trump ‘rigging the game’ with redistricting push: Full interview48:30Masih Alinejad says 'justice is beautiful' after sentencing of men who tried to kill her07:57Get more newsLiveonBest of NBC News