The BareStory
The Trump administration and President Trump have issued conflicting messages regarding the payment of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during a federal government shutdown that has entered its 35th day. The shutdown has affected benefits for approximately 42 million people.
On Monday, the administration submitted a plan in federal court to use a contingency fund of about $4.6 billion to pay for half of the normal benefit allotments for November. According to a court declaration from a Department of Agriculture official, this plan was developed in response to a judicial order. On Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that guidance was sent to states but warned the process could lead to significant delays.
However, President Trump stated on social media Tuesday that SNAP benefits would be paid only when Democrats vote to end the shutdown. This contradicted the administration's court filing from the previous day. When asked to clarify, the White House reportedly directed inquiries to the president's statement.
The administration’s actions are part of an ongoing legal battle. After a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the administration on Friday to use its contingency fund, it proposed the partial-payment plan. In response, lawyers for plaintiffs in the case have asked the court to compel full payments, arguing the administration’s decision was arbitrary as other funds were available, according to a court filing. The judge has directed the administration to respond to this request by Wednesday. Officials have stated that distributing even partial payments could be delayed for weeks or months.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Approximately 42 million SNAP recipients may receive only half their benefits for November, or face payment delays of weeks or months due to the shutdown.
• Conflicting statements from the administration create uncertainty for benefit recipients, making it difficult to plan for food expenses as the legal and political situation is unresolved.
• The outcome of the ongoing court case may determine whether the government must issue full or partial benefit payments during future shutdowns.
