Federal Judge Orders Full SNAP Benefits Restoration Amid Government Shutdown

A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November by Friday, countering the administration's plan to provide only partial payments during the ongoing government shutdown.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell criticized the administration for withholding benefits for "political reasons" and emphasized the potential for widespread hunger and strain on food pantries if full aid isn't restored.

The administration had initially planned to suspend SNAP entirely in November due to lack of congressional funding. After court intervention, it opted to use $5.25 billion in contingency funds to cover about 65% of the benefits that eligible households would ordinarily receive. However, McConnell ruled this approach insufficient, arguing that administrative and technological burdens at the state level prevent the quick distribution of reduced benefits.

The judge ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use a $23.35 billion tariff-derived fund to cover full benefits instead. The administration has appealed the ruling, casting doubt on whether full SNAP benefits will be distributed on time.

Critics cite President Trump's statement linking benefits to the end of the shutdown as evidence of intent to ignore court orders, emphasizing the unprecedented lapse in aid.

SNAP provides food assistance to approximately 42 million low-income Americans, and the program's disruption has raised concerns about increased hunger and pressure on food banks nationwide.