THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Angry Trump Tirade Forces Press Sec to Undercut Him in New SNAP Fiasco
Nov 5, 2025
David Dayen, executive editor at The American Prospect and renowned policy journalist, joins the discussion to dissect Trump's explosive SNAP threats amidst a looming government shutdown. They delve into the clash between Trump's directives and judicial orders, revealing how such antics have exposed his political vulnerabilities. Dayen highlights the dangerous optics of denying food assistance while urging Democrats to seize the moment to engage more robustly. The conversation also touches on broader issues of democracy and the necessity for accountability.
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Threat To Cut Food Stamps Backfires
- Trump threatened to stop SNAP payments to pressure Democrats during the shutdown, sparking fears he'd defy court orders.
- Karoline Leavitt quickly said the administration would obey the law, revealing internal limits to such brinkmanship.
Contingency Fund Was Meant For This
- The administration initially refused to tap a $4.5 billion contingency fund meant for SNAP during a lapse in appropriations.
- After lawsuits and judge orders, they agreed to use the fund but only to pay half the benefits, showing legal and political constraints.
Legal Limits Shape Political Choices
- Leavitt's public clarification that the administration will comply signaled internal recognition that denying food to the poor is politically toxic.
- Dayen says this cleanup shows they won't openly flout court orders on SNAP because of political optics.