President Donald Trump escalated the government shutdown crisis on Tuesday, announcing that federal food assistance will not reach Americans in need—in direct defiance of a court order to release SNAP funds—until Democrats agree to reopen the government on his terms.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump made his intentions crystal clear: “SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Biden’s disastrous term in office (Due to the fact that they were haphazardly ‘handed’ to anyone for the asking, as opposed to just those in need, which is the purpose of SNAP!), will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT”
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides critical food support to millions of Americans, yet Trump’s post framed it as a bargaining chip in the ongoing political showdown. His refusal to release the funds directly challenges the authority of the courts, marking an unprecedented escalation in the standoff.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP, had said Monday it would comply with a court order to distribute at least partial benefits. Trump’s announcement, however, signals that he is openly disregarding that legal directive, putting millions of Americans at risk of going without essential food aid.
This move puts Democrats on the defensive, forcing them to confront a stark choice: reopen the government or leave millions without food assistance during a politically charged impasse.
The White House and USDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
