President Trump stated on Friday that he would support funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if he receives “appropriate legal direction,” following a federal court’s order for the release of emergency funds for the program.
As the ongoing government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits are set to end on Saturday. However, officials from the Trump administration have been resolute in their stance against using emergency funds for this purpose.
Trump mentioned, “Government lawyers don’t think we have the legal authority to allocate the specific funds designated for SNAP, and we’ve had conflicting opinions from two courts on what actions we can take.”
He added, “We don’t want Americans going hungry because Radical Democrats are blocking efforts to reopen the government.” Trump has instructed his legal team to seek clarification from the courts as soon as possible on how SNAP funding can be legally managed.
He forecasted that SNAP benefits might be delayed until November, even if emergency funds were utilized, and urged Americans to pressure Democrats to resolve the government shutdown.
Previously, the president had drawn on alternative funding sources to ensure military personnel were paid.
Earlier on Friday, U.S. District Judge John McConnell intervened, preventing the Trump administration from cutting off SNAP funding due to the shutdown starting this weekend. He dismissed arguments that the emergency funds were limited to natural disasters and similar events.
The judge instructed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release these emergency funds “in a timely manner” and to update the court by Monday.
McConnell’s ruling followed a similar action from U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, who has indicated she may issue comparable orders and has given the government until Monday to clarify how they intend to use the reserve funds.
The emergency reserve of approximately $5.25 billion falls short of fully covering the required SNAP payments for November, which exceed $9 billion.
There is the possibility of fully addressing the November budget shortfall using the Section 32 Fund, derived from customs revenue. However, the justices concurred that it’s up to the administration to decide whether to proceed with this option.
Concern has been voiced by lawmakers across both parties about the potential expiration of SNAP benefits, which provide essential food support for millions of Americans. SNAP is one among several programs facing significant strain as the government shutdown nears its second month.
