Washington is fighting over SNAP rules and GLP-1s. While MAHA influencers are pushing “real foodˮ as the recipe to a long and healthy life, other influencers talk safety nets. And outside the Beltway, Americans swap weight-loss tips. Are there parts of food policy they can agree on?

In Washington, the Legislative Calendar and Elections Keep the Partisan Food Fight Simmering

While the menu of topics varied, Beltway food talk
rose and fell with the legislative calendar, spiking
around the consideration and passage of the One Big
Beautiful Bill Act, the off-year November elections, and
the government shutdown. Democrats dominated the
conversation by tying food affordability to tariffs, SNAP,
and inflation, while Republican insiders focused on
tightening SNAP rules.

Democratic Beltway insiders drive the affordability narrative during the spending bill debate and government shutdown.

MAHA Influencers*Dish Out ‘Real Food’ as the Key to Improved
Health and Longevity

For MAHA influencers, the conversation about food is a conversation about health and well-being. Their table talk focuses on diet, personal health, and longevity, and they home in on the new dietary guidelines as a pathway to a longer, healthier life.

The MAHA audience is online, talking about food as health, far outpacing the broader health care policy influencer crowd.

From K Street to Main Street, GLP-1s Reshape
America’s Plate—and the Conversation in Washington

While the general public trades tips on the best
foods and lifestyle tactics for losing weight, Beltway
insiders focus on drugs. GLP-1 costs, coverage, and
access are central to the food and weight loss
conversation in Washington.

Americans around the country are talking about the food they eat and wanting to slim down.

Top Weight Loss Key Words

Health Care Influencer* Food Conversations Focused on Scarcity and Affordability

As MAHA influencers focused on “real foodˮ (whole, nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods), other health care influencers talked about food through a
policy lens.

Health Care Influencer* Food Conversations Focused on Scarcity and Affordability

Methodology

FTP Insights analyzed social media conversations about
food and health among four key audiences: Beltway
insiders (including Members of Congress), MAHA
influencers (see note below), other health care voices,
and the general public.

We investigated the people, topics, and trends that
dominated the conversation in Washington, offering a
sense of where the discourse is and where itʼs going—
and when the conversation inside the Beltway is
completely out of touch with the country as a whole.
*“MAHA influencersˮ include moms, wellness advocates,
physicians, administration officials, and social media
creators who amplify and support the Make America
Healthy Again health agenda.

*ˮHealth care influencersˮ include health care journalists,
senior leaders at major nonprofits and health care
companies, notable physicians, former administration
officials, and other recognized leaders in the health
policy space.

Make Beltway Social Work for You

Beltway Social follows over 20,000 X accounts belonging
to Members of Congress and their staff, key executive
branch personnel, NGO leaders, and other influencers
and boldface names from around the Beltway.
We analyze the people, topics, and trends that are
dominating the conversation in Washington. This index is
a summary of those conversations, plus a comparison
with the broader national conversation.
Youʼll get a sense of where Washington is and where itʼs
going — and when the conversation inside the Beltway is
completely out of touch with the country as a whole.

Britons are concerned about potential tax rises in the upcoming budget which would break the Labour Party’s manifesto commitment to not raise Income Tax, National Insurance, and VAT. The conversation around income taxes skyrocketed on 14 November after Chancellor Reeves backed away from potential rises, with a mix of relief, concern, and criticism of the ‘U-turn’.

The conversation shifted away from the NHS, while taxes and housing remain core topics.

The real-world impact of the shutdown — missed paychecks, lost food assistance, cancelled flights, and higher health care costs — drove the conversation and pushed lawmakers to reach a deal to end the shutdown.

Will lawmakers vote to extend the health care subsidies that lower Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium costs for Americans? Will the government go into partial shutdown at the end of January when some appropriations in this weekʼs deal expire again?

Shutdown Effects Ripple Across the Country, Lawmakers Finally React.

Insight of the Week:
The real-world impact of the shutdown — missed paychecks, lost food assistance, cancelled flights, and higher health care costs — drove the conversation and
pushed lawmakers to reach a deal to end the shutdown.

What to Watch:
Will lawmakers vote to extend the health care subsidies that lower Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium costs forAmericans? Will the government go into partial shutdown at the end of January when some appropriations in this
weekʼs deal expire again?

Shutdown Effects Ripple Across the Country, Lawmakers Finally React.

Health care costs remained at the core of Democratic messaging on the shutdown since week one, especially Vthe threat of losing expanded ACA tax credits.
Republicans shifted from missed military paychecks and concerns about illegal immigrants to flight disruptions, while Democrats raised alarm over missed
food assistance for families. This shift signals a move from ideological clashes to the real-world impacts of the shutdown on Americansʼ daily lives.

The online shutdown debate over the past 43
days evolved to focus on pocketbook pain.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Morbi condimentum porttitor elit sed posuere. Mauris sodales mattis eleifend. Cras luctus quis urna non faucibus. Maecenas et congue mauris. Integer convallis non est a vestibulum. Morbi varius quis ligula et condimentum. Ut dolor lorem, pellentesque non malesuada non, facilisis in ligula. Nunc et est tincidunt, pharetra ante nec, pretium ligula. Curabitur arcu quam, sagittis sit amet lacus at, vehicula blandit tortor. Proin ut congue nulla. Nunc nisi eros, egestas vel aliquet vitae, malesuada a lacus. Curabitur bibendum eget lorem non hendrerit. Quisque at augue dui. Sed a iaculis magna, eget iaculis dui.

Republican influencers pick up Beltway momentum as SNAP benefits run out and Thanksgiving travel fears grow.

Voices beyond Capitol Hill steer political momentum. California Governor Gavin Newsom commands attention on the left. Prominent Republican influencers and administration officials like Scott Jennings and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent drive the narrative on the right.

As Texas culture takes center stage, the nation is looking to the Lone Star state for its
next big flavor, sound, or storyline.

Redistricting has dominated political discourse inside and outside of Texas,
sparking heated debate and drawing national attention. Beyond state borders,
the fight was seen as a preview and testing ground for potential strategies
nationwide. Other states like California, Indiana, Missouri, and Florida are
looking to follow in Texas’s footsteps.

Other states like California, Indiana, Missouri, and Florida are looking to follow in Texas’s footsteps.

Inside the Beltway, social conversations about the shutdown prevail, followed by discussion of Middle East peace talks. Outside the Beltway, conversation centers around sports and entertainment.

Though the shutdown leads political talk among the public, it hasnʼt yet broken through the pop culture noise. When it does surface in social conversations, Americans echo Washingtonʼs partisan finger-pointing and voice concern for the potential personal impacts it may bring — like missed paychecks, rising costs, and inaccessible services.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a leading bipartisan public affairs and government relations firm, announced its expansion today into the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) metropolitan area. The firm’s growth in Texas marks a strategic milestone for FTP and signals the increasing influence of the Lone Star State as an economic, political, and cultural hub.

“Our expansion into the Dallas-Fort Worth market is a natural next step as we continue to meet the needs of our clients and focus on issues that matter to them,” said Rob Mathias, managing partner at FTP. “Texas is an economic powerhouse, a policy incubator, and a culture driver. Our presence here puts us at the center of conversations that will shape the future of business and government.”

The DFW market — home to one of the fastest-growing populations and one of the nation’s strongest economic engines — offers significant opportunity for public affairs and advocacy firms. FTP’s new office will offer its integrated suite of policy, insights, communications, and field capabilities, bringing its proven model from D.C. to the heart of Texas and beyond.

“CRH maintains expansive operations throughout Texas thanks to its growing economy and its business-friendly environment,” said Ryan Lindsey, executive vice president, government relations at CRH. “We have worked closely with Forbes Tate Partners to navigate the complex landscape of D.C. – and we’re excited to see them join the DFW community to help business leaders in Texas.”

“It’s exciting to see Forbes Tate Partners recognize the economic might, cultural clout, and policy potential that Texas offers,” said Jim Wilkinson, executive chairman of TrailRunner International. “We look forward to having FTP join us here in Dallas as part of the broader Public Policy Holding Company network to help Texas business leaders navigate the complex landscape of D.C. and build stronger bonds between the Beltway and the DFW community.”

To support work in Texas and beyond, FTP launches the Lonestar Social Index – a proprietary data tool that analyzes how policy, business, and social conversations in Texas drive national dialogue, and how developments in Washington impact the business environment back home. This novel platform provides business leaders with advanced insights and analytics to inform key economic and policy decisions.

“The Lonestar Social Index – along with our strong array of analytic tools – will quantify policymaking outcomes, contextualize conversations, and connect dots for public-sector and private-sector executives,” said Doug Usher, PhD, partner and insights practice leader at FTP. “Our one-of-a-kind insights platform offers decisionmakers a resource to improve business outcomes amid a complex, highly charged, and unpredictable economic and political landscape.”

FTP’s Dallas office expansion has client engagements underway in the health, energy, AI and financial services sectors. A rollout of expanded services and client offerings in additional states is expected by early 2026.

About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) is a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2010, FTP offers a comprehensive suite of services – including government relations, strategic communications, grassroots advocacy, and digital strategy. Recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top-performing lobbying firms and a PRNEWS Top Elite 100 agency, FTP provides exceptional service to its clients across various industries.

Sen. Schumer and Rep. Crockett drive the online conversation on the Democratic side.
Rep. Mace and Sen. Kennedy lead social engagement on the right.

In the blame game, Republicans focus on paychecks, vets, and undocumented immigrants to add pressure.

Democrats rally around health care, health care, and more health care to push for compromise.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) announced Tori Smith as a senior vice president on its government relations team to help expand the award-winning firm’s tariff, trade, economics, and financial technology expertise.

She joins FTP from the Office of U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), where she served as a policy advisor overseeing trade, tax, and financial technology issues on the Senator’s Finance Committee legislative team.

“Tori brings a wealth of insight across tariff and tax policy, trade, and international economics – and she maintains robust connections throughout Congress and the Executive Branch,” said Jeff Forbes, founding partner at FTP. “We’re honored to have her join FTP and help expand our capabilities advising clients on important economic issues facing American businesses, consumers, and the current Administration.”

Smith spent nearly 10 years as a policy director and researcher at prominent think tanks – including the American Action Forum and the Heritage Foundation – where she focused on tariffs and import duties, international trade, and economics. Her specific expertise spans trade agreements, domestic content requirements, and trade laws that extend tariff authority to the executive branch.

“Tori served team Blackburn as a resource providing insight and analysis on critical tax and trade issues,” said Senator Blackburn. “We’re excited about her new venture and wish her well.”

As a sought-after economic policy expert, Smith has made several appearances on high-profile media outlets – including CNBC Power Lunch, Fox News, Fox Business, and the BBC. Her work has also been published in The Hill, The Washington Times, The Chicago Tribune, and The Detroit News.

“I’m excited to get working at FTP and help clients across a wide range of industries navigate complex and high-stakes tariff, trade, and tax policy,” said Smith. “The firm’s unparalleled reputation and deep bench of respected, incisive, and bipartisan experts can effectively assess today’s challenging and unpredictable legislative landscape and deliver real results for the organizations we serve. I’m thrilled to play a part in this important work.”

Smith holds a master’s degree in international commerce and policy with a concentration in global finance, investment, and trade from George Mason University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University. She lives in Virginia with her husband and daughter.   

About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) is a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2010, FTP offers a comprehensive suite of services – including government relations, strategic communications, grassroots advocacy, and digital strategy. Recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top-performing lobbying firms and a PRNEWS Top Elite 100 agency, FTP provides exceptional service to its clients across various industries.

Question –

Why should Republicans lead on energy policy, and what’s the opportunity here? 

In 2025, Republicans are uniquely positioned to champion energy policy because they embrace an open-minded and practical approach to energy resources. The opportunity lies beneath our feet: leveraging natural resources while balancing innovation in alternative energy. While some dismiss fossil fuels entirely in favor of wind and solar, Republicans recognize the value of a diverse energy agenda. 

The administration’s commitment to expanding fossil fuel production and exploring alternative energy sources offers a balanced approach that benefits manufacturing, national security, and education. This focus on diverse energy solutions positions the U.S. to meet growing energy demands while fostering innovation and strengthening the nation’s infrastructure. Republicans can lead on sound policies while also addressing the country’s energy demands, improving quality of life, and positioning the U.S. as an energy leader globally.  

Question –

Given your longstanding experience in the U.S. Senate, how has the Senate confirmation process changed over time?

The politicization of the Senate confirmation process has grown immensely since I first arrived in Washington working for Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH). In earlier years, it was customary for senators to give incoming presidents the benefit of the doubt in appointing qualified individuals, even if policy disagreements existed. Today, confirmation votes have become highly partisan, with fewer senators willing to cross party lines.

While some still do so out of political necessity in their home states, the overall trend has shifted toward rigid party-line votes. This evolution reflects broader changes in the Senate’s dynamics and underscores the challenges of governing in today’s political climate. 

Question –

What is your assessment of the first few weeks of the second Trump Administration?

It’s an exciting time. The administration has assembled a team of individuals with practical experience in business, government, and related fields. They clearly want to bring efficiency to the process of governing while advancing policies like energy independence and economic growth.