Overview
- On Oct. 31, Trump hosted a Great Gatsby–themed Halloween event at Mar-a-Lago branded “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.”
- The timing, as SNAP benefits paused during the shutdown for millions of recipients, drew sharp condemnation from late-night hosts and elected officials.
- Federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts directed or signaled that the USDA must use contingency funds to continue SNAP, with a near-term deadline around Nov. 5.
- Trump posted on Truth Social that he would provide SNAP funding if given appropriate legal direction by the court.
- A viral claim that $3.4 million in taxpayer funds paid for the party remains unverified, with fact-checkers noting transportation costs are publicly funded but the party’s tab is unclear.