Two federal judges ruled on Friday that the Trump administration must use billions of dollars in emergency funds to partially cover food stamp benefits for millions of Americans during the ongoing government shutdown, ensuring at least some aid continues amid the fiscal impasse.
The rulings came from U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts and U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island, both appointed by President Barack Obama, who rejected the administration’s claim that it could not legally access a $5.3 billion contingency fund for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They emphasized that these funds are appropriated and necessary to maintain the program, with Talwani stating in her order that the government’s interpretation of the law was erroneous and that the contingency reserves must be used when needed.
Judge Talwani’s 15-page ruling required the Department of Agriculture to tap into the contingency fund for partial November benefits and gave the administration until Monday to decide whether to supplement it with additional funds, while Judge McConnell issued a temporary restraining order from the bench, mandating the distribution of contingency funds and a report back by noon on Monday. Both judges highlighted that the USDA has discretion to use other available funds, such as a nearly $17 billion pot, to cover the full cost, but the administration has opposed this, arguing it could harm child nutrition programs.
President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, stating he had instructed his lawyers to seek legal guidance from the courts to fund SNAP as quickly as possible, blaming Democrats for any delays and expressing his honor in providing funding if given appropriate direction, similar to his actions for military and law enforcement pay. However, he acknowledged that even with immediate court guidance, benefits would likely be delayed as states work to restart payments.
SNAP benefits, which cost between $8 billion and $9 billion monthly, support approximately 42 million Americans with an average of $187 per month for food purchases, and the contingency fund alone is insufficient to cover full November payments, meaning recipients may face reduced or delayed aid. The lawsuits were filed by Democratic attorneys general from 25 states and Washington, D.C., in Massachusetts, and by a coalition of cities, nonprofits, unions, and small businesses in Rhode Island, arguing that cutting off benefits would exacerbate food insecurity, health issues, and economic strain.
As the government shutdown enters its 31st day, courts are increasingly intervening in shutdown-related crises, with a federal judge in California recently blocking the administration from laying off thousands of federal workers. The SNAP rulings add to the legal pressure on the Trump administration, which could seek appeals, but immediate compliance is expected to provide some relief to vulnerable populations relying on food assistance.
Despite the court orders, millions of SNAP recipients will likely experience delays in receiving November benefits, as states halted the payment process after a USDA directive in early October and need time to resume operations. The situation underscores the broader impacts of the prolonged shutdown on essential services, with the outcome depending on the administration’s next moves and potential further legal battles.