President Trump said Friday he would move to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) if given “the appropriate legal direction,” following a federal judge’s order to use emergency funds to keep the program running. SNAP benefits are set to expire Saturday as the government shutdown continues. Until now, the Trump administration had maintained it would not use the emergency fund without clear legal authority. “Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.” He added that even if emergency funds are accessed, November benefits could still face delays and urged Americans to pressure Democrats to end the shutdown.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge John McConnell blocked the administration from halting SNAP payments, ruling that the emergency fund—originally intended for natural disasters—could be used despite statutory restrictions. He directed the USDA to release funds “timely or as soon as possible” and submit a status update by Monday. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a similar order, giving the government until Monday to outline its use of contingency funds. The emergency fund totals $5.25 billion, short of the $9 billion needed for November, though additional funding could come from Section 32 accounts, leaving final decisions to the administration. Lawmakers from both parties expressed concern over potential SNAP lapses, which affect millions.
The government shutdown, now in its second month, continues as 47 Senate Democrats repeatedly vote against a clean budget resolution. USDA officials warned that tens of millions could lose benefits if funding is not approved. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 1st,” the department said, urging lawmakers to act to ensure “mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable” receive critical nutrition assistance.
