Federal Judges Compel Trump Administration to Continue SNAP Payments Amid Shutdown
Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to maintain funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) despite the ongoing government shutdown. The rulings, issued Friday by courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, temporarily blocked the administration’s plan to suspend food benefits for November, ensuring continued support for millions of Americans who rely on the program for basic groceries.
In Boston, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani dismissed the administration’s argument that federal law prevented it from reallocating funds to sustain SNAP. The Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program, had warned that without congressional action, it would run out of money to issue benefits for the month. The court’s decision now compels the agency to seek and apply emergency resources to prevent a disruption in assistance.
A separate ruling in Rhode Island by U.S. District Judge John McConnell ordered the USDA to immediately release emergency funds sufficient to cover November’s benefit cycle. His directive emphasized the necessity of ensuring food access for vulnerable households during the shutdown, describing the situation as an “urgent humanitarian matter.”
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett criticized the court orders, calling them politically motivated and warning of potential consequences. Speaking to Fox News, Hassett said the administration would comply by using USDA emergency reserves but cautioned that doing so could leave the government without backup funding for other disasters. “If a major hurricane strikes or another crisis occurs, these funds may no longer be available,” he said, reflecting a broader concern about depleting contingency resources.
Both judges underscored the importance of prioritizing food security over fiscal restraint. Judge McConnell wrote that the harm of millions of people losing access to food outweighed the government’s administrative concerns. He further directed federal agencies to explore all possible funding mechanisms to ensure the program remains operational for the duration of the shutdown.
The dual rulings represent a major legal setback for the administration and a significant victory for anti-hunger advocates. By compelling the continuation of SNAP benefits, the courts have provided temporary relief for millions of low-income families struggling with uncertainty during the prolonged budget standoff in Washington.
