Trump says SNAP payments delayed until federal government shutdown ends

The ongoing federal government shutdown is throwing Connecticut families who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) into uncharted territory. President Trump, in a statement on Truth Social, said SNAP payments would only fully resume after the shutdown ends—even though federal courts have ordered that assistance must continue.

More than 42 million Americans are feeling the effects, including thousands in Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, and Waterbury. For the first time, a shutdown is seriously disrupting one of the country’s main anti-hunger programs.

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Trump’s Statement Sparks Confusion

President Trump’s comments left people scratching their heads about how the administration plans to follow court orders. He seemed to contradict two federal rulings, one from a judge in Rhode Island, that require at least some SNAP payments during the shutdown.

The judge ordered the White House to pay full benefits by the end of Wednesday. That’s supposed to keep food insecurity from getting worse in places like Stamford and Norwalk.

White House Clarifies Position

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to clear things up in a Washington press conference. She said the administration is following the court order, but warned that payments might take a while to process because of technical headaches, especially when working with state agencies.

She also pointed out that the President’s statement showed reluctance to keep using emergency funds to prop up SNAP for the long haul.

Historic SNAP Spending Trends

During Trump’s first term, SNAP spending jumped, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency allotments boosted benefits for millions, raising annual spending from $93 billion in 2020 to $128 billion in 2021.

Enrollment hit 41.6 million nationwide, touching communities all over Connecticut—from Danbury to New London.

Biden Administration Adjustments

Under President Biden, SNAP spending gradually dropped after the USDA updated the cost of a nutritious meal. These changes aimed to tighten budgets, so participation numbers fell and spending returned closer to pre-pandemic levels.

Places like Middletown and Torrington saw enrollment steady out, though plenty of households still can’t always afford enough food.

Court Orders vs. Logistical Delays

The Rhode Island federal court told the administration to release full SNAP benefits by Wednesday, cranking up the pressure. White House officials admit that technical snags in the payment system could slow things down.

Families in Meriden or Norwalk waiting for their benefits might feel the pinch at the grocery store if payments are delayed.

Impact on Food Banks

Anti-poverty advocates call this “heartbreaking.” They say Connecticut’s food banks, especially in places like Waterbury and Bridgeport, just can’t keep up if SNAP payments stall.

Emergency pantries help, but let’s be real—they can’t replace the support SNAP gives.

What This Means for Connecticut Residents

With court orders and political statements clashing, nobody really knows if Connecticut households will get the food assistance they desperately need. If payments don’t come through soon, low-income families, seniors, and kids could face even more hunger.

Local leaders are urging the feds to act fast.

Key Points to Know

Here’s a quick summary of what’s at stake:

42 million Americans nationwide rely on SNAP, many in Connecticut towns like Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven.
This is the first shutdown to significantly disrupt the program’s distribution.
Federal courts have mandated payments continue despite administrative resistance.
The White House cites technical delays as a barrier to compliance.
Food banks cannot match SNAP’s reach and capacity.
Emergency allotments during COVID drastically increased SNAP spending.
Budget tightening under Biden reduced participation and expenditure.
Advocates emphasize immediate funding is essential to avoid a hunger crisis.

Looking Ahead

SNAP benefits hang in the balance as the shutdown drags on. The outcome could shape Connecticut’s economic stability and food security for a long time.

For families in cities like Stamford or Torrington, the decision might mean the difference between full cupboards and empty plates. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little anxious watching Washington try to sort this out.

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Here is the source article for this story: Trump says SNAP will only get paid after shutdown

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