Bessent says SNAP assistance could return on Wednesday

President Donald Trump's administration projects that benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could be restored on Wednesday, despite constraints stemming from the government shutdown.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on Sunday that the White House team is reviewing the legal steps needed to reactivate payments. During a television interview, he noted that it could be accomplished as soon as Wednesday and that the president wants to ensure families receive their food aid without further delay.

Court order and legal review

The possibility of resuming benefits comes after a federal judge ordered the government to use emergency funds for the program. Trump indicated last Friday that he was willing to do so, provided there was a clear legal basis. As he explained, government lawyers have found court rulings that offer differing interpretations of how far the administration can go to free up funds during the shutdown.

Trump also stated that he will not allow families to go into need while the political wrangling in Congress continues.

40 million people affected

The government shutdown, now more than four weeks old, has raised tensions between Republicans and Democrats. SNAP became one of the most sensitive points of the conflict, as nearly 40 million Americans depend on these resources to buy food.

The government has approximately $5.25 billion available to cover November benefits, but this figure falls short of the $9.2 billion that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has indicated is needed to fund the program this month fully.

As the debate continues in Washington, the Trump administration says it is focused on finding a legal pathway for families to receive the aid as soon as possible.