Donald Trump Rant About SNAP Benefits While Hosting ‘Great Gatsby’ Bash

On Friday, October 31, two federal judges – Indira Talwani of Massachusetts and John McConnell of Rhode Island – ruled that the White House must continue to fund SNAPcommonly known as food stamps, amid the shutdown.

The decision prompted an immediate response from Trump, who posted a lengthy statement on social media criticizing Democrats and questioning the legality of issuing payments under the current circumstances.

“Our government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay for SNAP with some of the funds we have available, and now two courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do,” Trump wrote. “I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN the government.”

He continued, “That’s why I’ve instructed our attorneys to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as quickly as possible. It’s already been delayed enough as Democrats keep the government closed through the monthly payment date, and even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while the states get the money out. If the Court gives us the proper legal direction, it will be MY HONOR to provide the funding, just as I did with the Military and Law Enforcement funds.”