President Trump faced a major setback Friday as federal judges ordered his administration to use emergency funds to keep SNAP food aid flowing. Millions of Americans were hours away from losing benefits amid the government shutdown, and ABC anchor David Muir delivered the stark update.
“Day 31 of this government shutdown, just hours before more than 40 million Americans were set to lose federal food assistance, a federal judge now ordering the Trump administration to use emergency funds to pay for it,” Muir reported on World News Tonight.
Correspondent Jay O’Brien added, “Tonight, hours before the government shutdown would force critical food assistance to run out, a federal judge now ordering the Trump administration to use emergency funds, saying, ‘Without the SNAP federal food program, some 42 million of the country’s most vulnerable would face irreparable harm and terror over the availability of funding for food for their family.'”
The administration said it’s “not legally allowed to use the money.” O’Brien continued, “Late tonight, President Trump saying he’s instructing the government’s lawyers to ask the judge how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible, saying if the court gives direction ‘it will be my honor to provide the funding.'”
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Food banks are stretched thin. Radha Muthiah, CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank, said, “We know right now that we can’t keep up and make up the difference.” Asked if they could meet demand, she said, “We absolutely cannot.”
After covering soldiers’ paychecks earlier this week, Trump hinted he might do the same for SNAP. He told reporters, “All the Democrats have to do is say, ‘Let’s go.’ I mean, they don’t have to do anything. All they have to do is say, ‘The government is open.'”
O’Brien noted, “But Democrats holding firm for an extension of ObamaCare tax credits to prevent health care costs for some 20 million Americans from skyrocketing.”
Muir highlighted the contrast. “Exactly one month into this shutdown, as critical programs like SNAP are on the line, members of Congress are still getting paid. Their next paycheck goes out tomorrow. Americans very aware of that.”
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said the government has a process to follow if SNAP cannot be fully funded. “The steps involve finding an equitable way of reducing benefits,” she said.
Featured image via Instagram screengrab
