Trump says SNAP will only get paid after shutdown, defying multiple court orders

President Trump stated that SNAP benefits will only be disbursed after the government shutdown ends, a stance seemingly defying court orders. These court orders require at least partial payment of SNAP benefits during the shutdown, impacting approximately 42 million Americans. Trump's statement on Truth Social blamed Democrats for the situation and his statement stands in contrast to the White House claim of fully complying with the court's order. The White House also mentioned the recipients will have to wait for money to arrive due to system changes. Ironically, SNAP spending significantly increased during Trump's administration due to COVID-19 and expanded emergency allotments. While SNAP expenditures and recipients grew initially, they've declined slightly in the Biden administration, with overall spending decreasing from 2021 to 2024. A federal judge has ordered the White House to address the demand for full SNAP payments urgently, with legal challenges ongoing. Anti-poverty advocates emphasize the critical role of SNAP for working families and the inadequacy of food banks to replace it, urging for full federal funding.