November 5, 2025
Trump threatens to defy court order, then White House reverses hours later, leaving 42 million Americans uncertain
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 Nov. 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 Nov. 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.
Which actor legally ordered USDA to use contingency funds for SNAP?
How does headline 'Trump threatens to withhold food aid' frame responsibility?
If USDA delays more benefits, which civic action most forces oversight?
Courts can order agencies to use internal contingency funds during a shutdown.
Which group materially bore costs if benefits were withheld?
Upgrade to Premium to access all practice questions and unlock advanced quiz features.
Upgrade to PremiumThese questions are part of the Trump threatens to withhold food stamps in defiance of court order, White House reverses hours later topic. Master this topic by completing the quiz or exploring each question in detail.
Take the full quiz to master this topic and track your progress.
Start QuizContact Senate Judiciary Committee
Demand hearings on presidential threats to defy court orders
