Walmart Dismisses Closure Claims Amid Federal Funding Uncertainty

By Jim Mishler | Friday, 31 October 2025 06:53 PM EDT

Walmart has refuted claims circulating online that it plans to shut stores in response to potential looting linked to the federal government shutdown and a possible disruption of food assistance programs. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed to Fox News that the rumors are “false,” emphasizing that all locations will remain open for business.

The speculation originated from social media posts suggesting some Walmart stores might close ahead of anticipated interruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports 42 million Americans. While a government shutdown initially threatened to halt benefits, two federal judges ordered the use of contingency funds to maintain payments temporarily.

TikTok and other platforms have featured videos showing users threatening theft or urging looting if benefits lapse. The Department of Agriculture warned that funds might not cover November SNAP payments due to “current lapse in appropriations.” However, fact-checking site Snopes confirmed there is no basis for the closure claims, stating Walmart has not announced any store shutdowns on November 1.

Walmart spokesperson Joe Pennington reiterated this to Snopes, asserting the chain will operate as usual. Meanwhile, lawmakers from both parties continue to blame each other for the shutdown, with Democrats criticizing Republican resistance to a broader budget deal and GOP leaders citing Democratic opposition to temporary funding measures.

The federal government remains closed after stalled negotiations on a new budget, leaving essential services running while non-essential agencies face furloughs and suspended programs. No agreement has been reached to reopen the government or extend short-term funding.