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Federal Judge Mandates Full SNAP Funding, Citing Political Interference
A U.S. federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), accusing officials of withholding food aid for political reasons. Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island ruled that the partial payments previously mandated were insufficient, warning that 16 million children risked hunger without immediate action.
Court Rejects Partial Payments, Demands Compliance by Friday
McConnell's decision came after a coalition of local governments and nonprofits argued that the administration's plan to distribute only 65% of benefits this month violated legal obligations. The judge, an Obama appointee, condemned the delay as "simply unacceptable" and ordered full payments by Friday, stating, "This should never happen in America."
He criticized the administration for failing to account for the harm caused by delayed payments, noting that officials "knew there would be a long delay" but proceeded regardless. The White House, which initially vowed to withhold aid until the shutdown ended, now faces an appeal process after complying with the court's directive.
Trump Blames Democrats, Calls SNAP Recipients 'Undeserving'
Responding to the ruling at a White House dinner with Central Asian leaders, President Donald Trump shifted blame to Democrats for the shutdown and suggested the program was being exploited. "This was meant for people that had real problems," he said, adding, "In many cases, people who were down and out. It wasn't meant for people that say, 'Well, I don't want to work.'"
Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump's criticism, accusing the judge of overstepping by "telling the president how he has to triage the situation" and warning of broader shutdown consequences, including airport disruptions. Advocacy group Democracy Forward, which filed the lawsuit, hailed the ruling as a "major victory" against politicizing essential aid.
"The court could not be more clear-the Trump-Vance administration must stop playing politics with people's lives by delaying SNAP payments they are obligated to issue."
Skye Perryman, President of Democracy Forward
Program in Limbo as Shutdown Drags On
The shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has left SNAP-used by 42 million Americans (1 in 8)-without federal funding since 1 October. While states administer benefits, the program relies on federal dollars, prompting the USDA to declare last month that "the well has run dry" for November payments.
Half of U.S. states and Washington, D.C., sued the administration, arguing it had a legal duty to maintain the program. Federal courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island previously ordered the use of $5.25 billion in emergency funds for partial payments. SNAP, which costs about $8 billion monthly, provides eligible families an average of $715 for groceries-roughly $6 per person daily.
Local Efforts Fill Gaps Amid Uncertainty
With SNAP funding in flux, local governments have directed recipients to food pantries, many of which have launched emergency drives. Online, cost-saving recipes have surged in popularity as households stretch budgets. The ruling offers temporary relief, but advocates warn that prolonged shutdowns could deepen food insecurity.
The administration's appeal may prolong legal battles, though McConnell's order stands as a rebuke to using essential aid as shutdown leverage. The case underscores growing judicial pushback against executive actions perceived as weaponizing public welfare.
