In an interesting development, a leading Republican senator is proposing a plan that may significantly impact McDonald’s financial gains from government sources. This comes as a curious twist for the fast-food giant, which gained unexpected popularity during the 2024 campaign thanks to Donald Trump. The former president notably boosted his appeal among working-class voters when he stepped behind the counter of a McDonald’s, an act that went viral. Trump, a long-time admirer of the chain, frequently commended its affordable $5 extra value meals and expressed gratitude for their price cuts. Recently, he even spoke at the McDonald’s Impact Summit, humorously noting his unique journey from a McDonald’s fry cook to President of the United States.

Meanwhile, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is seeking to eliminate a loophole that currently allows taxpayer dollars to flow into fast-food outlets via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP. The specific component in question is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which permits SNAP funds to be used for fast food purchases. This program operates mainly in states governed by Democrats, with Virginia being a notable Republican-led exception. Under the Biden administration, USDA data indicates that the RMP has expanded far beyond its initial purpose of aiding the homeless and needy families, now channeling additional millions to fast-food chains.

Senator Ernst expressed her concerns in an exclusive conversation with the Daily Mail, stating, “SNAP is supposed to keep food on the table for hungry Americans, not be a golden goose for the Golden Arches.” She acknowledged the appeal of fast food for its taste and convenience but stressed that “nutrition” is a core component of SNAP’s mission. Ernst’s proposed legislation, humorously dubbed the McSCUSE ME Act, aims to offer substantial benefits to both taxpayers and program beneficiaries. Despite the White House’s silence on the matter, the bill currently lacks co-sponsors, casting uncertainty over its future success.

The intent behind the program was to allow homeless individuals who lack access to kitchens or food preparation facilities to purchase prepared meals using SNAP benefits. Over time, eligibility was expanded to include disabled and elderly individuals, along with their spouses. From June 2023 to May 2025, over $475 million in taxpayer dollars was spent and redeemed at fast-food restaurants in California alone. In total, $524 million went out through RMP. The RMP program currently exists in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia as only those states have opted in.

Historically, participation was limited to a small number of restaurants within select counties. In recent years, however, the program has ballooned at an alarming rate, particularly in California, where state officials and the Biden-controlled USDA authorized more than 5,800 restaurants to accept SNAP benefits. The vast majority are large national fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, Denny’s, Popeyes Chicken, Carl’s Jr., Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Jack in the Box, Panda Express, and Wendy’s. In many cases, these fast-food vendors are boldly advertising with signs saying ‘EBT Accepted Here!’.

Ernst’s McSCUSE ME Act seeks to change three elements of the RMP program. First, it continues to allow homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals to participate while removing automatic spousal eligibility. It also requires a public annual report to show the number of participating vendors, the number of participating beneficiaries, and the total program costs. Amid the government shutdown, the pervasive usage of SNAP was brought into the public discourse. The program disburses funds on a monthly basis onto a debit card, which recipients can use to buy grocery items.

42 million Americans receive money from the entire SNAP program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which the Trump administration is now looking to make significant changes to. The exact number of RMP users is not presently known, which is why Ernst’s bill calls for additional transparency. The USDA is now looking to ‘completely deconstruct,’ per a statement from the Department that was shared with Newsweek . Pending changes to the program include a recertification of eligibility and crackdowns on fraud, but the timeline for implementing the new SNAP plans and changes has yet to be determined.

Rollins called the move ‘an unintended consequence of the Democrats shutting the government down for 43 days, ‘shined this very bright light on one of their pet programs and now has given us a platform to completely deconstruct the program.’ The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ government funding package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump this past summer had already set in motion changes to the SNAP program with the addition of work requirements.