Overview
- President Trump hosted a Great Gatsby–themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago on Oct. 31, the 31st day of the federal government shutdown.
- The USDA said SNAP funding would run out Nov. 1 for roughly 41.7 to 42 million recipients, putting scheduled payments at risk with the program’s real-time status unclear.
- Two federal judges ordered the administration to use contingency funds to keep benefits flowing, and Trump posted that he would comply if given specific instructions.
- Photos and video from White House correspondents showed Trump seated beside Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the party, drawing online criticism over the timing.
- Separate reports highlighted a donor-funded East Wing ballroom project with little disclosure on contributions, raising fresh questions about priorities during the budget standoff.