Federal Judges Order Trump Administration to Pay SNAP Benefits During Shutdown
A pair of federal judges has ruled that the Trump administration must continue paying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, during the ongoing government shutdown. The decision comes after a coalition of states and local governments sued the administration over its plan to cut off funding for the program.
The ruling was made in two separate cases brought by Massachusetts federal court Judge Indira Talwani and Rhode Island Federal District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. Both judges ordered the Trump administration to tap into contingency funds to make payments for SNAP benefits, citing a law that requires the administration to use emergency funds when necessary.
According to the ruling, the $5 billion contingency fund must be used to make partial payments by Wednesday, with the goal of ensuring at least some level of funding for the program. While the judge rejected the administration's argument that the contingency fund cannot be used to cover the shortfall, she did allow the administration to consider reducing benefits for November.
The decision is a significant victory for SNAP recipients, many of whom rely on the program as their main source of food assistance. The Trump administration had announced plans to cut off funding for the program due to the government shutdown, citing the lack of new appropriations.
However, judges Talwani and McConnell rejected the argument that the contingency fund cannot be used to cover the shortfall, arguing that Congress did not place any restrictions on its use in the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The judges also stated that the administration's decision to cut off payments would cause "deterioration of public health and well-being" among recipients.
The ruling comes as the government shutdown enters its 31st day, with no end in sight. President Trump has taken to social media to express his opposition to the ruling, blaming Democrats for causing any delay to the funding.
In a statement on Truth Social, the president wrote that he would be happy to provide funding for SNAP benefits "as soon as possible," but did not commit to doing so immediately. The decision is likely to have significant implications for food insecurity and hunger in the United States, with millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits to get by.
A pair of federal judges has ruled that the Trump administration must continue paying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, during the ongoing government shutdown. The decision comes after a coalition of states and local governments sued the administration over its plan to cut off funding for the program.
The ruling was made in two separate cases brought by Massachusetts federal court Judge Indira Talwani and Rhode Island Federal District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. Both judges ordered the Trump administration to tap into contingency funds to make payments for SNAP benefits, citing a law that requires the administration to use emergency funds when necessary.
According to the ruling, the $5 billion contingency fund must be used to make partial payments by Wednesday, with the goal of ensuring at least some level of funding for the program. While the judge rejected the administration's argument that the contingency fund cannot be used to cover the shortfall, she did allow the administration to consider reducing benefits for November.
The decision is a significant victory for SNAP recipients, many of whom rely on the program as their main source of food assistance. The Trump administration had announced plans to cut off funding for the program due to the government shutdown, citing the lack of new appropriations.
However, judges Talwani and McConnell rejected the argument that the contingency fund cannot be used to cover the shortfall, arguing that Congress did not place any restrictions on its use in the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The judges also stated that the administration's decision to cut off payments would cause "deterioration of public health and well-being" among recipients.
The ruling comes as the government shutdown enters its 31st day, with no end in sight. President Trump has taken to social media to express his opposition to the ruling, blaming Democrats for causing any delay to the funding.
In a statement on Truth Social, the president wrote that he would be happy to provide funding for SNAP benefits "as soon as possible," but did not commit to doing so immediately. The decision is likely to have significant implications for food insecurity and hunger in the United States, with millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits to get by.
I mean come on, it's about time someone told Trump that his tantrums aren't going to fix everything! 
I'm all for those judges stepping up and making a decision – it's the least they could do after dealing with this drama for so long. 
The Trump admin trying to spin this as some kind of Democratic plot just shows they're trying to distract from their own incompetence.
and btw, 31 days into a shutdown? that's wild. what even is the point of having a government if it can't get anything done? 
I'm kinda surprised that Trump's team didn't just agree to keep paying those food stamps, you know? Like, it's not like they're asking for much - just a tiny bit more than what they've already got in the contingency fund 
. And from what I can tell, the judges did say that Congress basically gave them permission to use that money, so... idk, seems like Trump's trying to make a big deal out of nothing 
.
It's like they think people will magically find food in their fridge or something? The fact that judges are stepping in and forcing them to use emergency funds is amazing news for all those struggling families 
. I'm so glad these judges are looking out for the greater good 
. And let's be real, it's not like Trump can't afford to chip in a bit more himself 
?! so like the trump admin was all "oh no gov shutdown let's cut off food stamps" but 2 judges were all "nah fam we got this 
" they said the admins gotta use that $5b contingency fund to keep those snappy benefits goin lol. and guess what? it ain't just about the money tho 
it's about ppl gettin by without a plate of food on their table. this is major fam 
30 days into shutdown and still no end in sight...when are we gonna see some progress?! 
also these two juds are all about preserving public health and wellbeing which i get i mean millions of ppl rely on snap to eat 
Two judges agreed with the states and local govts that they should use some emergency funds to keep paying benefits. That's a good thing! 
Now we just gotta see if the president will follow their lead or not. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't get any worse for those in need. 
meanwhile, Trump's all salty about it on Truth Social 
but at the end of the day, ppl who need help are still gonna get it 
Like, what's good with that guy? The judges are just trying to do their job here... I mean, come on, the contingency fund was set up specifically for emergencies like this, so where else is he gonna get the cash from? 
That's not how it works, guys. Our judges are doing the right thing here 
. Anyways, I think this is a major bummer for people who can't afford groceries on their own, you feel? 
It's already stressful enough dealin' with the shutdown, don't need to worry about eatin' or goin' hungry too 
. Nah, I'm just kiddin', but for real though, this is a pretty big deal 
The thing is, it's still not gonna be easy for people who rely on SNAP. They're probably still gonna have to get creative or go without food altogether. It's a shame, but at least some people are looking out for them. 
With the government shutdown entering its 31st day, it's alarming that many Americans are still going without access to vital services like food stamps. The fact that federal judges had to step in to ensure payments continue means that those who rely on these benefits will have to endure the consequences of a prolonged shutdown. It's time for politicians to take action and find a way out of this impasse, rather than blaming each other for the delay. 