Trump Announces SNAP Benefits Withholding Amid Shutdown Crisis

UPDATE: President Donald Trump has just announced he will WITHHOLD SNAP benefits until the federal government reopens, a move that could impact 42 million Americans relying on food assistance. This urgent declaration comes amidst a government shutdown, sparking widespread concern about food security across the nation.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “SNAP BENEFITS… will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government.” His comments follow recent court rulings in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where federal judges have mandated that the government must fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) despite the ongoing shutdown.

This announcement is particularly alarming as SNAP funding was set to expire on November 1, 2025, after government funding sources lapsed. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously indicated that it would provide only partial benefits for November, covering just 50% of eligible households’ food stamp allotments by utilizing emergency funds.

Brooke Rollins, the Agriculture Secretary, reassured states via a social media post that the USDA is ready to assist in distributing SNAP guidance. However, she did not confirm whether funds would be withheld as Trump suggested.

Democracy Forward, a policy advocacy group involved in the Rhode Island case, is pushing back against Trump’s decision, arguing that withholding benefits is “immoral and unlawful.” President and CEO Skye Perryman stated, “The Trump administration continues to play politics with people’s lives… This is immoral and unlawful.”

A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the administration to respond to these claims by the end of the day tomorrow, with a new hearing scheduled for November 6. The outcome could have significant implications for SNAP recipients and the broader food security landscape in the U.S.

As this situation unfolds, many are left wondering how this will affect the most vulnerable populations who depend on SNAP to afford basic groceries each month. The emotional and social ramifications of potentially cutting off food assistance are severe, with advocates urging immediate action to protect these critical benefits.

The USDA has stated that it intends to deplete SNAP contingency funds to provide reduced benefits but has not committed to meeting the full needs of recipients. As the deadline looms, the urgency to resolve the government shutdown grows, with millions of Americans potentially facing food insecurity if SNAP payments are not restored.

This story is developing, and further updates will follow as the situation progresses. Stay tuned for more information on this critical issue affecting families nationwide.