Trump signals he will fund SNAP benefits after getting further clarification from courts

President Donald Trump on Friday said he will ask the court system how he can legally fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown, after two courts directed him to do so.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell, an Obama appointee, blocked the Trump administration earlier Friday from cutting off SNAP benefits, and ordered him to spend the roughly $5.25 billion emergency fund to cover it. The $5 billion is not enough for the whole program on its own though, and SNAP benefits for November have not been funded.

Trump posted on Truth Social that his government lawyers do not believe they can legally fund the program with the money they have currently available and will seek more guidance from the judicial system.

"I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT," Trump wrote in the post. "Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible. 

"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 added.

Trump urged Democratic senators to work on reopening the government, so the funding for SNAP does not need to go through the courts, but promised to pay for SNAP benefits once judicial guidance comes down. 

He also urged voters to call their local Democratic senators and lawmakers and demand the government be reopened.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.