President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits would only be distributed “when the Radical Left Democrats open up government.” Trump criticized the program’s expansion under former President Joe Biden, claiming it was “haphazardly ‘handed’ to anyone for the asking” rather than targeting those in need. He stated, “SNAP BENEFITS… will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”

The statement came as funding for SNAP faced expiration amid a second month of government shutdowns. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., indicated Democrats were unlikely to end the shutdown solely through funding expirations. Trump’s administration later informed a federal court that it would partially resume SNAP benefits in November using $4.65 billion from a contingency fund, though details on distribution timelines and amounts remained unclear.

Two judges previously ruled that SNAP benefits must remain funded during the shutdown, while a senior administration official acknowledged the move did not fully satisfy court orders. A judge in Rhode Island emphasized the need for immediate payments from contingency funds and investigations into alternative federal resources to sustain the program without congressional action. The White House declined to clarify Trump’s statement, directing inquiries to his social media posts.