A federal judge in Rhode Island has publicly acknowledged President Donald Trump's quick and definitive response to a recent court ruling regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments. In a court order issued on Saturday, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. expressed his appreciation for the president's involvement, stating that it was “greatly appreciated.” The order includes a footnote that highlights Trump's efforts to facilitate timely funding for SNAP, which is crucial for millions of Americans.
Approximately 42 million Americans, or about one in eight individuals, depend on food stamps each month. These benefits are provided through electronic cards, enabling recipients to purchase groceries essential for their households. Supporters of the program have raised concerns that any delays or reductions in payments would significantly harm families reliant on these benefits.
Judge McConnell ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must ensure that SNAP benefits for November reach recipients in full by November 3. If full payments cannot be processed by that date, the USDA is required to issue partial payments no later than the end of the day on November 5. In his order, Judge McConnell emphasized, "There is no question that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be used now because of the shutdown."
The court order cites potential funding sources, including contingency funds from fiscal years 2024 and 2025, as well as provisions from Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, to facilitate the necessary SNAP payments. However, the USDA has argued that it lacks the legal authority and sufficient funds to provide full SNAP benefits amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
According to legal representatives from the administration, there is currently $5.25 billion available in the SNAP contingency fund. However, they assert that ensuring full payments for November could require at least $8.5 billion. On Friday, Judge McConnell ordered the federal government to utilize at least the available contingency funds to support SNAP benefits. He rejected the USDA's argument that these funds could only be applied in cases of natural disasters.
In a related ruling in Boston, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, also an appointee of former President Barack Obama, mandated that the USDA must continue SNAP payments, labeling any suspension of the program as “unlawful.”
Judge McConnell highlighted in court documents that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be utilized immediately due to the government shutdown. He referenced that during his first term, President Trump issued guidance indicating that these contingency funds could be accessed if SNAP funds lapse due to such situations. Following McConnell's ruling, President Trump took to Truth Social, stating, “I do not want Americans to go hungry,” and urged the court to clarify how they could legally fund SNAP as soon as possible. Trump expressed his commitment to providing funding if given appropriate legal direction.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also commented on the situation, stating: “I'm proud to see courts agree that the Trump Administration has a legal responsibility to support the SNAP program. The USDA needs to release all available funding for this critical program immediately. We’re not going to sit idly by while families go hungry. It’s cruel, it’s immoral, and it’s beneath us as a nation.”
The USDA is required to report to the court by noon on November 3 with a plan to comply with the ruling. If full payments are not processed as mandated, the agency must issue partial payments by November 5. Failure to meet these deadlines could lead to further enforcement actions against the USDA, underscoring the critical importance of timely SNAP funding for millions of Americans.
As the situation develops, stakeholders continue to await decisive actions that will ensure food assistance for those in need across the nation.
