Trump Makes Big Move In SNAP Funding Case As Schumer Takes Political Hit
A federal judge in Rhode Island acknowledged President Donald J. Trump’s swift action in safeguarding food assistance benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown, calling the president’s intervention both timely and commendable.
In a footnote attached to his order, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr., an Obama appointee, praised the president for stepping in to secure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding.
“The court greatly appreciates the president’s quick and definitive response to this court’s order and his desire to provide the necessary SNAP funding,” McConnell wrote.
Approximately 42 million Americans depend on SNAP each month to purchase essential groceries. Any delay caused by the Democrat-led shutdown threatened to disrupt basic food access for families nationwide.
McConnell ordered the USDA to ensure that full benefits for November were distributed by Monday, November 3, or that partial payments be issued by Wednesday, November 5.
“There is no question that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be used now because of the shutdown,” McConnell argued. However, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has pointed out that federal law only allows these contingency reserves to be used when a program is fully funded—and typically only during natural disasters.
McConnell countered that, “In fact, the president during his first term issued guidance indicating that these contingency funds are available if SNAP funds lapse due to a government shutdown.”
Funding for the program officially lapsed on November 1 due to the Democratic refusal to pass temporary government funding. It remains unclear whether the administration will appeal or ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in.
Meanwhile in Boston, another Obama-appointed judge, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, also ruled that the USDA must keep issuing benefits, calling any suspension “unlawful.”
But according to political analyst Matt Towery, this Democratic strategy may be collapsing in real time. Appearing on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” on Friday, Towery said the left’s attempt to generate outrage over SNAP disruptions is backfiring.
“I think the public is just now beginning to hear the information about how many people who are receiving food stamps, who simply are not from this country and came into the country illegally. And I think as more of this information comes out, you’ll see more resentment for that aspect,” Towery told host Laura Ingraham.
He added that while Americans traditionally support a basic safety net, Democrats overplayed their hand by trying to turn food insecurity into a political weapon.
“I don’t know that these decisions by these judges are helping them because the Democrats really wanted people to not get this assistance and be up in arms and very upset, and cause more turmoil over the next week,” Towery said.
He continued, “And these judges have stepped in and said, ‘Oh well, we think we’re going to feed you. How we’re going to do it. I don’t quite know.’ I do think that we’re seeing a change in public opinion towards all of these benefits.”
Towery pointed out that a subtle but meaningful shift is underway among younger working-age Americans:
“There’s a slow shift. You won’t see it from the legacy pollsters, and you won’t hear from the legacy media. But the country is beginning to shift. And I think it starts with the youngest of voters, the ones who are having to get out there and make money and find jobs.”
Democrats expected rage — but they may be awakening a different reaction entirely.