Federal Judges Order SNAP Funding Amid Trump Administration Shutdown Dispute

Two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown by tapping into emergency contingency funds, which the Department of Agriculture had claimed it could not legally use. President Trump responded by instructing government lawyers to seek court clarification on how to legally fund SNAP amid conflicting judicial opinions, while urging Democrats to end the shutdown and criticizing them for political obstruction. Trump expressed willingness to provide funding if given appropriate legal direction but highlighted delays in distribution to states even if immediate guidance were received. The Agriculture Secretary stated the contingency fund is legally restricted and insufficient to cover the full SNAP costs for November, which amount to over $9 billion. Congressional perspectives varied, with Republicans emphasizing the need to reopen government to restore payments, and Democrats holding firm on funding conditions related to healthcare costs. The SNAP program remains crucial for millions of Americans, and the courts have ordered the government to report on compliance with their rulings soon.