President Donald Trump took action on Monday to ease the impact of the government shutdown on food-stamp families. If the shutdown continues through Wednesday, it will become the longest in U.S. history. Rather than allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments to cease after running out of cash this past weekend, the Trump administration will cover at least partial benefits. The funds will come from a contingency reserve typically used to provide food during natural disasters.
The president is determined not to let the 42 million Americans who rely on food stamps struggle any more than necessary. Additionally, he is complying with valid court orders requiring that payments continue, even though those judges may be overruled by higher courts. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized on Sunday, “President Trump wants to make sure that people get their food benefit.” Last week, Trump himself stated on Truth Social that if the courts provide legal direction, “it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding” for food-stamp benefits.
However, it is important to note that Democrats are still holding SNAP recipients “hostage.” The partial payments will only cover about 50% of the usual benefits, leaving families facing significant shortfalls. Recipients can also anticipate considerable delays in receiving these benefits.
Democrats openly admit they prioritize forcing Republicans to approve an additional $1.5 trillion in bailouts over reopening the government. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (Massachusetts) admitted, “This is one of the few leverage times we have.” Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) warned, “If you reopen the government… we lose our leverage.”
But a government shutdown should never be used as a tool for forcing legislation. Democrats would be outraged if Republicans employed such tactics. In fact, in past shutdown confrontations, Democrats have repeatedly condemned the GOP for refusing to agree to “clean” stopgap spending bills—essentially the same type of bill Democrats are blocking now.
It is disappointing that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer feels compelled to appease his party’s more extreme base by supporting this strategy. Meanwhile, SNAP families suffer, federal workers such as air-traffic controllers go unpaid, and airline passengers experience delays as some controllers choose to stay home.
Trump is correct to declare that he “won’t be extorted.” Yielding to hostage-taking today will only encourage more of it in the future. This is not how democracy is supposed to function — though perhaps it reflects the version of “democracy” Democrats claim to be fighting for.
Ultimately, average Americans should remember this shutdown and reconsider supporting any Democratic lawmaker who chose to shut down the government.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/03/opinion/trump-offers-food-stamp-relief-to-dems-hostages-as-the-shutdown-nears-record-length/