The White House has announced plans to partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government shutdown, despite President Donald Trump’s earlier threats to withhold federal assistance. On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration will comply with a court order to maintain some level of SNAP benefits for millions of Americans.
Details on SNAP Funding During Government Shutdown
Leavitt stated that the administration is working to expedite partial payments for SNAP benefits. This decision comes after Trump suggested on Truth Social that assistance would only be released if Democrats agreed to reopen the government. His remarks prompted confusion and concern for those reliant on food assistance.
Legal Challenges and Court Orders
Over 42 million Americans benefit from SNAP, receiving an average of $350 per household each month. Various states and organizations recently initiated legal actions to mandate the continuation of at least some aid during the shutdown. As part of this effort, Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, emphasized the moral imperative to protect these benefits.
- Over 42 million Americans rely on SNAP.
- Average monthly benefit per household is about $350.
- The White House is using a $5 billion contingency fund to support partial benefits.
Funding and Administration Response
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had originally voiced concerns over its ability to fund November’s benefits, questioning the legality of utilizing contingency resources. However, a federal court later ruled that these funds must be used to ensure partial benefits continue through November.
A federal judge in Rhode Island has scheduled a hearing to evaluate requests for full SNAP benefits for the month. The plaintiffs in the legal case argue that the USDA’s approach does not fulfill the previous court order and have urged the court to intervene by releasing unused tariff funds allocated for child nutrition programs.
Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
The hearing will take place on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Discussions are centered on Trump’s social media statements, which plaintiffs believe indicate an intent to leverage SNAP benefits for political purposes. Meanwhile, the USDA maintains that using tariff revenue could jeopardize critical meal programs for children across the country.
The situation reflects a significant intersection of public assistance, legal frameworks, and political maneuvering during a pivotal moment in the ongoing budgetary impasse.
