DIThe Distraction Index

#welfare

8 events across 5 weeks

3Damage
3Hype
2Noise
18.0Avg Dmg
22.3Avg Hype
WEEK 84Aug 2 – 8
DMG2026-08-03
States Sue Trump Administration to Protect Welfare Data from DHS
Resource Reallocationmulti state · broad
Damage
26.0
Hype
20.0
WEEK 82Jul 19 – 25
HYPE2026-07-24
SNAP Benefits Reduction Results in 4 Million People Losing Coverage
Resource Reallocationfederal · broad
Damage
0.7
Hype
28.3
NOISE2026-07-20
Trump Administration Implements SNAP Benefit Changes and Public Charge Policy
Policy Changefederal · broad
Damage
2.4
Hype
8.5
WEEK 29Jul 13 – 19
HYPE2025-07-19
HHS Targets Duplicate Medicaid Benefits
Resource Reallocationfederal · broad
Damage
4.1
Hype
28.4
WEEK 21May 18 – 24
DMG2025-05-23
Work Requirements Included in Budget Bill for Medicaid and Food Assistance
Policy Changefederal · broad
Damage
29.8
Hype
16.0
NOISE2025-05-23
USDA Demands Food Stamp Data from States; Lawsuit Challenges Practice
Policy Changefederal · broad
Damage
20.8
Hype
20.9
HYPE2025-05-23
House Passes Major Budget/Legislative Bill Under Speaker Johnson
Policy Changefederal · broad
Damage
21.3
Hype
30.6
WEEK 19May 4 – 10
DMG2025-05-10
USDA and DOGE Demand State Food Stamp Recipient Data
Resource Reallocationfederal · moderate
Damage
38.8
Hype
25.7