Supreme Court Case and Criticism Over SNAP Funding During Shutdown

Former U.S. Attorney Vance criticized the Trump administration for refusing to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a government shutdown in late October 2025, despite a $5 billion contingency fund being available. Federal courts initially ordered the administration to resume SNAP funding, and the administration conceded to partial funding. The case reached the Supreme Court but became moot when the shutdown ended.

The dispute centered on the availability of federal funds for a major food assistance program. The refusal to use available contingency funds during a shutdown relates directly to federal spending and the stability of social safety nets.