Former President Donald Trump said government lawyers are uncertain about whether they have the authority to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown, citing conflicting court rulings and blaming Democrats for the delay.
In a post shared to his Truth Social account, Trump wrote that two courts have issued opposing opinions on how federal funds can be used to keep SNAP operating. He said he does not want “Americans to go hungry” but argued that the issue stems from Democrats refusing to reopen the government.
“I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible,” Trump wrote. “If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will be my honor to provide the funding.”
The post comes as uncertainty continues over how long federal food assistance programs can operate without new appropriations. SNAP, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides food assistance to more than 40 million low-income Americans.
During previous shutdowns, limited reserves and reallocated funds have been used to keep benefits flowing temporarily. However, Trump said current legal guidance is unclear, leading to delays while states await federal instruction.
The former president accused Democrats of keeping the government closed for “political reasons” and urged recipients of SNAP benefits to pressure Senate Democrats to reach an agreement.
The government shutdown entered its 31st day Monday, with uncertainty growing over federal services and programs, including nutrition aid, housing assistance, and some health services.
