November 5, 2025
Trump threatens to defy court order, then White House reverses hours later, leaving 42 million Americans uncertain
On Nov. 5, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social that SNAP benefits "will be given only when those Radical Left Democrats open up the government." This threatened to defy a federal court order requiring partial SNAP payments.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt walked back Trump's statement hours later, saying the administration would "fully comply" with the court order. The confusion left 42 million SNAP recipients uncertain about November food assistance during the 36-day shutdown.
Trump posted on Truth Social on Nov. 5, 2025, that SNAP benefits would only be distributed after Democrats reopen the government, directly contradicting the Agriculture Department's Nov. 3 court filing agreeing to use $4.65 billion in contingency funds for partial November benefits.
White House press secretary 
Karoline Leavitt held a briefing hours later saying she had spoken with Trump and the administration would fully comply with court orders to keep some SNAP benefits flowing.
Trump's post appeared to threaten defiance of a court order. US District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island had issued a temporary restraining order on Oct. 31 requiring USDA to tap its contingency fund for partial November benefits.
Approximately 42 million Americans in 22 million households rely on SNAP for monthly food assistance, receiving an average of $350 per household.
Judge McConnell scheduled an emergency hearing for Nov. 6 to consider whether the administration was complying with his order.
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