Trump's Administration Seeks Court Guidance on SNAP Funding Amid Food Stamp Shutdown
President Donald Trump has instructed his White House lawyers to seek clarification from the courts on how to legally fund the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), after two federal judges ruled that he cannot block food stamp benefits.
The ruling, which affects about 42 million Americans, comes as the government shutdown enters its 31st day. SNAP payouts cost around $8 billion per month, and with a significant portion of emergency funds already depleted, the administration is under pressure to find alternative ways to continue funding the program.
In response to the court orders, Trump said he will ask judges for guidance on how to fund SNAP using existing federal funds. The Agriculture Department has stated that it lacks the legal authority to use these funds, claiming they are reserved for emergencies like natural disasters.
The administration's inaction has left millions of Americans at risk of losing their food stamp benefits, which could have severe consequences for low-income families and children. Another group of 25 states that have sued the Trump administration over the SNAP shutdown claim that the funding suspension is unlawful and are likely to succeed on their claims.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will be able to find a way to fund SNAP using existing funds or if Congress will need to pass legislation to restore the program.
President Donald Trump has instructed his White House lawyers to seek clarification from the courts on how to legally fund the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), after two federal judges ruled that he cannot block food stamp benefits.
The ruling, which affects about 42 million Americans, comes as the government shutdown enters its 31st day. SNAP payouts cost around $8 billion per month, and with a significant portion of emergency funds already depleted, the administration is under pressure to find alternative ways to continue funding the program.
In response to the court orders, Trump said he will ask judges for guidance on how to fund SNAP using existing federal funds. The Agriculture Department has stated that it lacks the legal authority to use these funds, claiming they are reserved for emergencies like natural disasters.
The administration's inaction has left millions of Americans at risk of losing their food stamp benefits, which could have severe consequences for low-income families and children. Another group of 25 states that have sued the Trump administration over the SNAP shutdown claim that the funding suspension is unlawful and are likely to succeed on their claims.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will be able to find a way to fund SNAP using existing funds or if Congress will need to pass legislation to restore the program.