Trump Administration Declines Emergency SNAP Funds Amid 42 Million Americans' Food Crisis

The Trump administration has announced it will not use the USDA's $5-6 billion contingency fund to cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November, affecting around 42 million Americans reliant on food stamps during the ongoing government shutdown. The administration argues that contingency funds are legally designated only for supplementing benefits when appropriated amounts are insufficient, not for regular benefits, and that using funds from other nutrition programs would harm beneficiaries. This decision contradicts previous agency guidance and has led several states to pause benefits, increasing food insecurity and demand at food banks. Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have criticized the move, urging the USDA to utilize the contingency fund and other resources to avoid a lapse in benefits, while blaming Republicans for "weaponizing hunger." Meanwhile, the White House points to Democratic obstruction in funding negotiations as the cause of the shutdown and SNAP funding crisis. The situation heightens pressure on Congress to resolve the shutdown, with Democrats refusing to support funding bills without expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies and Republicans blaming Democrats for the impasse.