Donald Trump announced that his administration lacks the legal authority to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown. He posted on Truth Social that his government lawyers believe they cannot legally use available funds to keep benefits flowing, and that he has instructed them to ask the courts for guidance.  He placed blame on Democrats, saying officials like Chuck Schumer are refusing to reopen the government and thus forcing hardship on nearly 42 million Americans who rely on food assistance.

In response, two federal judges — one in Massachusetts and another in Rhode Island — ruled that the administration must continue funding SNAP benefits by tapping contingency and emergency reserve funds. They found the administration’s decision to suspend payments “unlawful” and concluded that the contingency funds (around $5 billion) and other reserves could legally be used to keep the program afloat. The judges ordered the USDA to report back by Monday on how it plans to ensure November benefits are issued, either in full or partially.

Despite the court rulings, the administration said it would comply but warned of delays. It announced it would partially fund SNAP using the contingency funds, but full payment for November remains uncertain. Critics argue the administration is using food assistance as political leverage, as groups such as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities assert the administration has legal authority to continue full payments and is choosing not to for political reasons.