President Donald Trump said that he has instructed government lawyers to ask the court to clarify how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be legally funded as soon as possible.
Newsweek reached out to the White House by email outside of normal business hours for clarification and further comment.
Why It Matters
The fate of SNAP has become a critical flashpoint in the ongoing federal government shutdown, with nearly 42 million Americans facing potential interruptions in food assistance.
The deadline for funding for the program is set to expire on November 1, which has prompted fierce bipartisan pushback.
What To Know
In a post on Truth Social on Friday evening, the president said: "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 on what we can and cannot do."
Trump continued: "I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible," Trump wrote.
"It is already delayed enough due to the Democrats keeping the Government closed through the monthly payment date and, even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out," he continued. "If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay."
"The Democrats should quit this charade where they hurt people for their own political reasons, and immediately REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT," Trump said. "If you use SNAP benefits, call the Senate Democrats, and tell them to reopen the Government, NOW! Here is Cryin’ Chuck Schumer’s Office Number: (202) 224-6542"
What People Are Saying
Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, said in an October 30 X post sharing a graph related to SNAP spending: "This is an alarming trend. We need to ask ourselves why so many Americans are on SNAP."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said in an October 30 X post: "If there are any Democrats out there who care about the damage this shutdown is doing, then I have a bill at the desk: A clean, nonpartisan CR to fund WIC, SNAP, troop pay, air traffic controller pay, farm programs, housing assistance, national defense, and more."
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X: "More than 47 million Americans — including one in five children — don’t have reliable, affordable access to nutritious food. And as the cost of living skyrockets, more families are depending on SNAP benefits, or food stamps, to put food on the table."
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont wrote on X: "Trump and Republicans in Congress are willing to let 16 million kids in America go hungry to make a political point. Disgusting. Mr. President: Release the SNAP emergency funds that Congress appropriated."
Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota wrote on X: "GOOD NEWS: A judge ruled the administration is required by law to use emergency funding to provide food assistance to families in need. Trump has no excuse to withhold food assistance. If the admin does not issue SNAP, it is purely a cruel political decision, not a legal one."
Update 10/31/25, 8:11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information, context, and comments.
