Key Takeaways:
- President Donald Trump on Oct. 31 demanded court guidance to legally fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), citing mixed judicial opinions and claiming “I do NOT want Americans to go hungry…”
- With the federal government shutdown now stretching into November, approximately 42 million Americans face delays or interruption in food-aid benefits when monthly payments normally hit beginning Nov. 1.
- Two federal courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have already ordered the administration to tap contingency funds to maintain SNAP payments — a legal confrontation that underscores the urgency of resolving the funding impasse.
By Samuel Lopez | USA Herald
WASHINGTON, DC – On Oct. 31, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to address the mounting crisis around the nation’s food-aid program during the ongoing federal government shutdown. His full statement reads:
“Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do. I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. 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. If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay. The Democrats should quit this charade where they hurt people for their own political reasons, and immediately REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT. If you use SNAP benefits, call the Senate Democrats, and tell them to reopen the Government, NOW! Here is Cryin’ Chuck Schumer’s Office Number: (202) 224-6542.”
Taken at face value, Trump is signaling he wants to ensure SNAP funding continues — but only if legal constraints are clarified and the courts provide direction. Meanwhile, millions of Americans who rely on SNAP may see their benefits delayed or forfeited beginning today, Nov. 1, as the government remains unfunded.
Legal tension underpins the standoff. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had flagged lack of appropriated funds during the shutdown and warned that SNAP payments scheduled for Nov. 1 were at risk. In response, two federal judges — one in Rhode Island and one in Massachusetts — ruled on Oct. 31 that the administration must use contingency funds (estimated at US$5 billion) and explore other reserves (up to ~US$23 billion) to continue SNAP payouts, rejecting the administration’s argument that funding authority was absent.
Trump’s reference to “two Courts” issuing conflicting opinions is consistent with the fact that there are parallel rulings, but as of today their orders broadly align in mandating continued funding rather than diverging. The real conflict is the administration’s stance that it lacks authority to commit funds without congressional appropriations.
For SNAP recipients the practical reality is stark: even with favorable rulings, administrative delays loom. States will need time to load benefits once funds are released; the inconsistency in state payout schedules means some households may face food-aid interruptions regardless of legal outcomes.
Governors and state agencies are scrambling. Many states have alerted recipients of potential delays or splits in benefit payments. Food‐bank networks and charitable organizations already anticipate sharp increases in demand for emergency food assistance. The Washington Post
What’s Next (Procedural Roadmap):
The courts will continue to oversee the funding mechanism. One judge has required the administration to explain by Monday how it will comply with the order to use contingency funds. Meanwhile, the USDA and Justice Department must determine whether to appeal the rulings and whether to re-program funds or initiate partial benefit mandates.
States must coordinate their payout calendars and readiness. If the court grants clear authority, then full or partial benefits could be unloaded in the coming week — but delay and reduction remain likely. Additionally, if the shutdown drags on, further litigation or separate congressional action will be required to shore up long-term funding beyond contingency reserves.
Sources:
Primary source – President Trump Truth Social post (Oct 31, 2025)
Court rulings – Massachusetts & Rhode Island federal judges (Oct 31, 2025)
Coverage of SNAP interruption risk – Washington Post, AP News, Time
