Two federal judges dubiously ordered the Trump administration to use a special contingency fund to cover the costs of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, after its coffers were depleted amid the ongoing government shutdown.

President Donald Trump suggested that he was amenable to action that would ensure that SNAP benefits are paid to eligible recipients this month, albeit only if those judges clarify how the administration could "legally" comply with the order, according to The Hill.

That may be easier said than done, as the Department of Agriculture has insisted that the contingency fund is reserved solely for unanticipated emergency response situations and is barred by the law from being repurposed for programs that otherwise lack congressionally authorized funding.

Trump asks for legal clarification

In a Truth Social post on Friday, President Trump wrote, "Our Government lawyers do not think we have the legal authority to pay SNAP with certain monies we have available, and now two Courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do."

"I do NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT," he continued. "Therefore, I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible."

"It is already delayed enough due to the Democrats keeping the Government closed through the monthly payment date and, even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed while States get the money out," Trump stated. "If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding, just like I did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay."

"The Democrats should quit this charade where they hurt people for their own political reasons, and immediately REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT," the president added. "If you use SNAP benefits, call the Senate Democrats, and tell them to reopen the Government, NOW! Here is Cryin’ Chuck Schumer’s Office Number: (202) 224-6542."

Funds blocked by legal requirements

The Hill reported that two federal judges must tap into a $5.25 billion emergency reserve fund for the USDA to cover the cost of SNAP benefits for November -- an order that may force the Trump administration to violate other laws in its quest for mandatory compliance.

According to Fox Business, Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins told reporters on Friday that it would be legally difficult, if not impossible, for the USDA to comply with the courts' orders, in that the contingency funds are "only allowed to flow if the underlying program is funded."

In other words, the USDA contingency fund can only be used to supplement lawfully funded programs, not wholly replace depleted or expired funds amid a partial government shutdown.

Furthermore, even if the $5.25 billion contingency fund could be easily transferred and repurposed, it wouldn't be enough to cover the estimated $9.2 billion monthly costs of SNAP, to say nothing of also leaving the USDA with no reserve money in the event some other emergency arises, such as a natural disaster.

USDA blames Dems for funding lapse

As for the USDA, it has posted a statement on its website that leaves no room for mistakes about who the department views as solely responsible for SNAP running out of funds to cover monthly benefits for eligible recipients.

"Senate Democrats have now voted 13 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)," the USDA's statements said. "Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01."

"We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats," the department added. "They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures, or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance."