The Trump administration announced Sunday it will comply with a federal court order requiring the resumption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with payments potentially beginning as soon as Wednesday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that President Donald Trump has directed the Treasury Department to work with the courts to determine the appropriate funding mechanism to deliver the aid.
The move comes after a U.S. judge ordered the administration to restore food aid for millions of low-income Americans following a legal challenge over the suspension of emergency SNAP disbursements. The court found that the administration is required by law to continue the benefits under existing emergency authorities, contradicting earlier guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that claimed it lacked the authority to do so without additional congressional action.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Bessent said the administration is reviewing the court’s instructions to ensure compliance. When asked whether payments could begin by Wednesday as ordered, he responded, “Could be,” signaling that Treasury officials believe the timeline is achievable.
