Trump reacts to SNAP rulings before attending Mar-a-Lago Halloween bash

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to address the ongoing issues surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amid the ongoing government funding dispute.

After recent court rulings directed the administration to continue providing SNAP payments, Trump shared his concerns and vowed to seek legal clarity to ensure Americans continue to receive assistance.

The SNAP rulings and Trump’s response

On Friday, October 31, federal judges Indira Talwani of Massachusetts and John McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the White House to keep providing funding for SNAP, also known as food stamps, during the ongoing government shutdown.

The program, which helps millions of low-income Americans purchase groceries, has become a key focus in the broader funding debate.

In his Truth Social post, he wrote, “Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do.”

Accusing the Democrats of preventing the government from functioning because of their own personal agenda, he said, “The Democrats should quit this charade where they hurt people for their own political reasons, and immediately REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.” 

Trump added that he had instructed his legal team to “ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.”

He also called on the courts to provide the necessary legal direction, saying, "If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay."

Trump ended his message by calling on SNAP recipients to contact Democratic lawmakers, saying, “If you use SNAP benefits, call the Senate Democrats, and tell them to reopen the Government, NOW!” 

He also went as far as including the office number of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in his post.

Trump slams Democrats for turning into a 'radical left party' en route to Mar-a-Lago

Reporters questioned Donald Trump aboard Air Force One en route to the Halloween celebration, asking whether he could redirect funds to keep the SNAP program running, similar to how he had previously shifted money for military pay during the shutdown.

Trump responded, “All the Democrats have to do is say, 'Let’s go.' They don’t have to do anything."

He went on to criticize what he described as the Democrats’ radical behavior, saying, "But they've become a radical left party. They really have, they've become a very radical left partner. And they've lost their minds."

Trump then headed to Florida for a 'Great Gatsby'-themed Halloween celebration at his Mar-a-Lago resort, a 1920s-style celebration attended by his supporters.