President Trump demanded that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) be on hold until the government shutdown ends.
“SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Biden’s disastrous term in office (Due to the fact that they were haphazardly ‘handed’ to anyone for the asking, as opposed to just those in need, which is the purpose of SNAP!), will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT”
The White House clarified Trump’s comment, as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump “does not want to have to tap into this fund in the future.”
President Trump’s statement follows officials stating that they will partially fund SNAP after two separate judges ruled that the program is to continue running amid the ongoing government shutdown.
In a court filing, officials wrote that the “U.S. Department of Agriculture is complying with the Court’s order and will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds today by generating the table required for States to calculate the benefits available for each eligible household in that State.”
The department will “therefore have made the necessary funds available and have authorized the States to begin disbursements once the table is issued,” the document notes.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said that the department has sent SNAP guidance to U.S. states.
“This will be a cumbersome process, including revised eligibility systems, State notification procedures, and ultimately, delayed benefits for weeks, but we will help States navigate those challenges,” she wrote on X. “Challenges caused by Senate Democrats’ refusal to reopen the government. Another vote is this morning.”
