Trump Seeks Court Guidance on Legally Funding SNAP After Judge’s Order
Former President Donald Trump asked a federal court on Friday for clarification on how to legally fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after a judge ordered the administration to provide the necessary resources. The request was made in response to a ruling by U.S. District Judge John James McConnell Jr., who mandated that the government must ensure SNAP benefits continue without interruption.
Judge McConnell’s decision, issued on Friday, required the administration to submit a progress report on its funding plan by the following Monday. The order cited concerns that recent budget proposals could jeopardize the program’s ability to serve millions of low‑income Americans, and it emphasized the court’s willingness to enforce compliance if the report is not satisfactory.
SNAP, the nation’s largest food‑assistance program, has faced periodic funding debates for years, with lawmakers and the executive branch often clashing over budget priorities. In recent months, the administration proposed reallocating portions of discretionary spending, prompting watchdog groups to warn of potential shortfalls. Trump, who has repeatedly criticized federal welfare programs, framed his inquiry as a legal question, stating that any funding must be “consistent with the Constitution and the law.”
Legal analysts noted that the court’s demand for a detailed funding plan is a routine procedural step, but they also warned that non‑compliance could lead to further injunctions or contempt findings. Government officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the Treasury Department is reviewing the order and will provide a comprehensive report within the court‑mandated timeline. Policy experts added that the outcome could set a precedent for how future administrations address mandatory nutrition assistance funding.
The next few days are likely to determine whether the administration will adjust its budget to meet the court’s requirements or seek an appeal. Regardless of the immediate legal maneuvering, SNAP beneficiaries remain dependent on the program’s continuity, and any disruption could affect an estimated 42 million households nationwide. Observers expect that the court’s final ruling will influence both fiscal policy and the political discourse surrounding social safety‑net programs in the months ahead.
