A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to pay the full amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits commonly known as food stamps to millions of Americans affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The decision marks a major victory for low-income families who depend on federal food assistance to meet basic nutritional needs.
The lawsuit, one of two filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), sought to stop the agency from suspending or reducing payments under SNAP. The shutdown, which began on October 1, had raised fears that federal food aid could soon run dry for millions of vulnerable households.
Two Major Lawsuits Challenge Federal SNAP Freeze
The first lawsuit, heard in Rhode Island, was presided over by Judge John McConnell, who rejected the Trump administration’s argument that it lacked the authority to fund SNAP during the shutdown. In a detailed ruling issued late Friday, McConnell stated that emergency funds authorized by Congress were explicitly designed for situations like this, where critical federal programs risk disruption.
A second, parallel lawsuit filed by 25 states led by Democratic governors in the federal district court of Columbia resulted in a similar ruling. Judge Indira Talwani determined that the administration had falsely claimed legal barriers prevented it from using emergency appropriations to finance the program.
“The administration’s position lacks merit,” Talwani’s order stated. “Congress has already provided the necessary tools to prevent hunger among American families.”
Judge Gives Trump Administration Deadline to Act
In his follow-up order on Saturday, Judge McConnell gave the Trump administration until Monday to present a concrete plan to pay the full SNAP benefits owed to eligible recipients. The administration was instructed to begin disbursing payments immediately or, at the very least, to cover partial amounts by Wednesday.
“There is no doubt that the emergency funds authorized by Congress must be used now, given the circumstances created by the shutdown,” McConnell emphasized in his decision.
Legal analysts say the ruling could set an important precedent for how federal assistance programs operate during budget impasses. “This decision reinforces the judiciary’s role in ensuring that executive inaction does not translate into human suffering,” said constitutional law expert Dr. Lila Edwards from Georgetown University.
Trump Responds, Blames Democrats for the Crisis
President Donald Trump responded to the ruling with a post on Truth Social, saying he did not want Americans to “go hungry simply because Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.”
“This is why I’ve instructed our attorneys to ask the court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as quickly as possible,” Trump added.
Judge McConnell acknowledged Trump’s public statement in his decision, writing that the court “appreciates the President’s swift and decisive response” and his stated willingness to “secure the necessary resources for SNAP.”
However, political observers noted that Trump’s comments were aimed at shifting blame toward Democrats, as negotiations over federal spending continued to stall in Congress.
Millions of Americans Rely on SNAP
SNAP is the largest federal food assistance program in the United States, serving approximately 42 million Americans. The program supports individuals and families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level roughly $1,632 per month for a single-person household or $2,215 for a two-person household.
Each state is responsible for administering SNAP benefits, which are distributed monthly through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. For many families, SNAP provides essential support for buying groceries and maintaining a minimum standard of nutrition.
With the government shutdown now stretching beyond its fourth week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that its funding reserves are nearly depleted. Officials estimate that continuing SNAP payments costs between $8.5 and $9 billion per month, an amount the agency cannot sustain without congressional action.
The Broader Impact of the Government Shutdown
The federal government shutdown has left multiple departments struggling to maintain services. In addition to the threat to SNAP, programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and school lunch initiatives are also at risk of disruption if the budget standoff continues.
For families living paycheck to paycheck, these interruptions can be devastating. Advocacy organizations have warned of a looming hunger crisis if the administration fails to restore food assistance promptly.
“The government shutdown isn’t just a political battle it’s a humanitarian issue,” said Kathy Sanchez, director of the Food Security Coalition. “When Washington stops functioning, it’s the poorest Americans who pay the price first.”
Congress Faces Pressure to Resolve Budget Deadlock
Pressure is now mounting on lawmakers from both parties to reach an agreement that would reopen the government and ensure stable funding for critical social programs. While Democrats have called for an immediate end to the shutdown, many Republicans remain aligned with Trump’s push for deeper spending cuts and other policy demands.
The White House budget office has yet to issue an official response to McConnell’s latest order. Legal experts suggest that while the administration is likely to comply in the short term, the dispute could continue in higher courts if funding challenges persist.
A Temporary Victory for Millions But Uncertainty Remains
For now, the federal judge’s order brings temporary relief to millions of Americans who depend on food assistance each month. Yet, with no clear resolution in Congress, uncertainty about the future of SNAP remains high.
Judge McConnell’s ruling underscores a simple but powerful principle: no citizen should go hungry because of political gridlock. As the shutdown drags on, the courts not Congress appear to be the last line of defense for millions of Americans facing food insecurity.