Walmart Denies Store Closure Rumors Amid Government Shutdown Concerns

By Jim Mishler | Friday, 31 October 2025 06:53 PM EDT
Walmart has denied claims circulating online that it plans to close stores in response to potential looting tied to the federal government shutdown and a possible pause in federal food benefits. A Walmart spokesperson stated the rumors were “false” and confirmed stores would remain open for business. The allegations originated from social media posts suggesting Walmart locations might shut down ahead of disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which supports roughly 42 million Americans. While the shutdown initially threatened to halt payments, two federal judges ordered the government on Friday to use contingency funds to maintain benefits temporarily. Videos on platforms like TikTok featured users making threats or calling for theft if their benefits lapsed. The Department of Agriculture warned that funds might soon be insufficient to cover November SNAP payments due to the “current lapse in appropriations.” A fact-check website confirmed there was no basis for the Walmart rumors, noting the chain would remain open on the specified date. Lawmakers continue to blame each other for the shutdown, with Democrats citing Republican resistance to a broader budget deal and GOP leaders highlighting Democrat opposition to temporary funding measures. The federal government remains closed after negotiations collapsed, leaving essential services operating while agencies reliant on discretionary funding face furloughs and suspended programs. No agreement has been reached to reopen the government or extend short-term funding.