White House Walks Back on Trump's SNAP Freeze Comments, Says Administration is "Fully Complying" with Court Orders.
President Donald Trump's statement that SNAP benefits would be withheld until the government is reopened has been contradicted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who revealed that the administration is indeed complying with court orders to keep the assistance program operational using emergency funds.
Leavitt clarified that Trump's comments were misinterpreted, stating that he was referring to a future distribution of benefits once the government is reopened. She explained that the administration is currently facing delays in distributing SNAP payments due to the current funding constraints, but stressed that no one will be affected by the halt.
The discrepancy between Trump's statement and Leavitt's explanation has raised concerns about the administration's handling of social welfare programs and its ability to navigate court orders during a government shutdown. Critics argue that the halt on benefits is unjustified and puts vulnerable populations at risk.
The White House Press Secretary also hinted that the administration was trying to avoid tapping into a contingency fund meant for emergencies, suggesting that this might be a factor in Trump's initial statement.
President Donald Trump's statement that SNAP benefits would be withheld until the government is reopened has been contradicted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who revealed that the administration is indeed complying with court orders to keep the assistance program operational using emergency funds.
Leavitt clarified that Trump's comments were misinterpreted, stating that he was referring to a future distribution of benefits once the government is reopened. She explained that the administration is currently facing delays in distributing SNAP payments due to the current funding constraints, but stressed that no one will be affected by the halt.
The discrepancy between Trump's statement and Leavitt's explanation has raised concerns about the administration's handling of social welfare programs and its ability to navigate court orders during a government shutdown. Critics argue that the halt on benefits is unjustified and puts vulnerable populations at risk.
The White House Press Secretary also hinted that the administration was trying to avoid tapping into a contingency fund meant for emergencies, suggesting that this might be a factor in Trump's initial statement.