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Two federal judges have ruled that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot suspend food assistance for millions of Americans amid the ongoing government shutdown. The rulings, issued in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use available contingency funds to continue paying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
The decisions come after lawsuits filed by Democratic-led states, cities, and advocacy groups challenged the administration’s plan to halt SNAP payments starting November 1. U.S. District Judges John McConnell and Indira Talwani, both appointed by former President Barack Obama, determined that the USDA’s refusal to use its $5.25 billion contingency fund was unjustified and would cause “irreparable harm” to millions of low-income Americans.
Judge McConnell emphasized that withholding aid was “arbitrary,” urging the USDA to release emergency funds immediately. He also suggested that if the contingency fund proves insufficient, the agency could explore using other federal reserves estimated at $23 billion. Judge Talwani agreed, stating that the administration misinterpreted the law by claiming it lacked authority to use the contingency funds during the shutdown.
The USDA, however, has maintained that it does not have adequate funding to provide full benefits to the 42 million Americans relying on SNAP, which costs up to $9 billion monthly. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins argued that Democrats’ claims about available funding were misleading, saying the contingency funds require congressional approval before they can be used.
Despite the administration’s legal concerns, both judges ordered the government to find a way to continue distributing benefits. The White House must report its compliance plan by Monday. SNAP provides essential food assistance to Americans earning less than 130% of the federal poverty line, making this ruling crucial for millions struggling with food insecurity.
