Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday that all it would take for SNAP users to receive their benefits would be for five Democrats to “cross the aisle and reopen the government.”
Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper, Bessent was asked about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) crisis impacting 42 million Americans.
After noting that President Trump needs to “hear from the courts” on a potential use of contingency funds to supplement SNAP as the government shutdown wears on, Bessent said the ball is in Democrats’ court.
“As you know, the best way for SNAP benefits to get paid is for Democrats, five Democrats, to cross the aisle and reopen the government, right?” the Treasury Secretary said.
“But there is this contingency fund, and as recently as September 30, the Agricultural Department had a memo saying that these funds, the contingency funds, I think it’s about $5 or $6 billion, could be used to pay these benefits — now it’d only be two or three weeks, but that’s a lot for people who need the who need the food,” Tapper said.
Bessent again noted that Trump is waiting on the courts, but “Democrats are in the middle of a civil war, and they should just open the government. That is the easiest way to do this.”
Sec. Scott Bessent: “The best way for SNAP benefits to get paid is for five Democrats to cross the aisle and reopen the government.” pic.twitter.com/nUrGHGcTCe
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 2, 2025
Tapper pressed Bessent on the courts: “Is the administration going to appeal the ruling by the judge? Is that what you mean by the courts need to weigh in, because the courts have weighed in.”
“No, but there’s a process that has to be followed, so we’ve got to figure out what the process is. President Trump wants to make sure that people get their food benefits,” Bessent replied.
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When asked if it could be accomplished by Wednesday, Bessent responded: “Could be — and five Democratic senators could cross the aisle and open the government by Wednesday.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on if the Trump Administration will use emergency funds to cover SNAP benefits.
BESSENT: “There’s a process that has to be followed. So, we got to figure out what the process is. President Trump wants to make sure that people get their food… pic.twitter.com/MpyTqQBktq
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) November 2, 2025
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