Trump Seeks Legal Path to Fund SNAP as ‘Radical Democrats’ Hold Americans Hostage [WATCH]

President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration is seeking immediate legal clarification to allow funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves millions of Americans, as the federal shutdown nears its one-month mark.

The shutdown has halted funding for several federal programs, leaving approximately 42 million people at risk of losing access to food benefits.

Democrats are about to kick millions of Americans off SNAP for “leverage” in their unhinged political war against Donald Trump. It’s disgusting.

Luckily there’s a simple solution: vote for the CR, reopen the government, and stop holding the country hostage. pic.twitter.com/5acFbKFvmA

— Bernie Moreno (@berniemoreno) October 29, 2025

President Trump said he has directed White House legal counsel to petition the courts to determine whether existing funds can be lawfully released to states so that benefits can continue without congressional action.

“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,” President Trump wrote in a statement released Friday.

A federal judge has ordered the federal government to keep paying EBT/SNAP payments after they were scheduled to be turned off but President Trump is looking into his legal options; stay tuned….

“President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration’s lawyers are not sure… pic.twitter.com/gX4RnKbHtw

— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) November 1, 2025

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The president said the administration’s legal team will move quickly to obtain judicial guidance.

“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,” he continued.

The statement marks one of the administration’s most direct responses to growing public concern over the shutdown’s effect on essential services.

While other funding measures—such as those protecting pay for military and law enforcement personnel—have been addressed, SNAP remains tied to the broader budget dispute in Congress.

President Trump blamed Senate Democrats for obstructing short-term funding proposals, accusing them of using the standoff for political advantage.

“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,” Trump said.

According to administration officials, two federal courts have issued differing opinions regarding the government’s authority to redirect certain funds during a shutdown.

That legal uncertainty has complicated efforts to resume SNAP payments at the state level. Without court approval or new congressional appropriations, the Department of Agriculture—which administers the program—cannot guarantee continued benefits.

The SNAP program, created to assist low-income families and individuals with food purchases, typically distributes benefits on a monthly schedule.

Several states have warned that they may be unable to issue February payments without new guidance or authorization.

The president’s move to seek judicial intervention reflects ongoing efforts to mitigate the shutdown’s impact while maintaining pressure on Congress to approve a funding bill.

The White House has maintained that Democrats are preventing a temporary funding solution that would reopen government agencies while broader negotiations continue.

As legal teams prepare to file motions for clarification, federal and state agencies remain in limbo, awaiting direction on how to manage the lapse in appropriations.

Administration officials said they hope to have preliminary guidance from the courts within days, but no formal timeline has been established.

President Trump’s call for legal action follows his earlier decisions to ensure that members of the military and federal law enforcement continued to receive pay during the shutdown.

He has framed those moves as necessary steps to protect Americans from political gridlock in Washington.

If the courts grant authorization, the administration is expected to release emergency funds to maintain SNAP benefits until a budget agreement is reached.

For now, however, the continuation of food assistance for millions of families remains tied to the outcome of both the legal process and the ongoing political impasse.