President Trump stated that SNAP benefits will only be distributed “when the Radical Left Democrats open up government,” accusing former President Joe Biden of mismanaging the program. “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! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump said on Truth Social.
The announcement comes as funding for the program was set to expire over the weekend amid a second-month government shutdown. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., indicated Democrats may not prioritize ending the shutdown despite the funding lapse. When asked if supporting a GOP federal funding bill would be the best path forward, Jeffries replied, “No.”
The Trump administration told a federal judge that it will partially resume SNAP benefits for November using $4.65 billion from a contingency fund, though details on distribution timelines and amounts remain unclear. A senior official confirmed the USDA’s plan to allocate the funds despite ongoing shutdowns. Two judges had previously ruled that benefits must stay funded during the crisis.
The White House declined to clarify Trump’s statement, directing inquiries to “the President’s truth.” Meanwhile, lawyers for plaintiffs in a Rhode Island court case argued the administration’s partial payments failed to comply with a prior order requiring immediate SNAP funding. Judge Jack McConnell had urged the government to use contingency funds promptly and explore other federal resources to fully sustain the program without congressional approval.
