Key Takeaways
- Benefits Could Resume Soon: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits could restart as early as Wednesday, depending on legal clearance.
- Democrats Blamed for Funding Delays: The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that “the well has run dry,” citing Senate Democrats for blocking multiple efforts to fund SNAP during the government shutdown.
- Trump Prioritizes Feeding Americans: President Trump said he will act once given proper legal authority, vowing not to let Americans go hungry while Democrats stall reopening the government.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits could resume as soon as this week, offering hope for millions of Americans affected by the ongoing government shutdown.
“There’s a process that has to be followed, so we’ve got to figure out what the process is,” Bessent told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.” When asked if benefits could restart by Wednesday, Bessent replied, “Could be.”
His comments came after President Trump said Friday he would fund SNAP if given clear legal authority. A federal judge recently directed the administration to use an emergency fund for the program, but conflicting court rulings have created uncertainty over how to proceed.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, funding for the program ran out on Saturday. The department’s website stated that “the well has run dry,” pointing the finger at Senate Democrats for blocking multiple attempts to restore funding. “Senate Democrats have now voted 13 times to not fund the food stamp program,” the USDA page said.
About 40 million Americans rely on SNAP for assistance. Officials estimate that $5.25 billion remains in emergency reserves for November, far short of the $9.2 billion needed to fully fund the program.
Bessent’s remarks suggest the administration could soon find a legal path forward to restore benefits. While Democrats stall, the Trump administration is once again focused on solutions that put American families first and keep the nation’s most vulnerable citizens fed.