Trump Says SNAP Payments Will Be Late as Shutdown Standoff Enters Courts

The White House says it lacks authority to release funds during the lapse in appropriations, seeking judicial guidance.

Overview

A federal court on Friday ordered the administration not to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the shutdown.
President Trump said the government cannot lawfully allocate SNAP funds during the funding lapse and has directed lawyers to ask a court how to proceed.
He warned that benefits would still arrive late even with swift guidance because states must first receive and distribute the money.
Financial Times reported that more than 40 million low-income Americans face delays, with the program serving roughly 42 million people last fiscal year.
SNAP spending totaled nearly $100 billion in FY2024–25, and USDA data indicate about 40% of recipients are children.