Trump Ordered by Federal Judge to Pay Snap Benefits

 Washington, D.C. — Relief may be on the horizon for the roughly 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits to help feed their families. On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must tap into contingency funds to continue payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown — a major win for millions facing food insecurity.

Judges Rule in Favor of States and Nonprofits

In a landmark decision from Massachusetts federal court, Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the government is legally required to access the emergency contingency fund to make at least partial SNAP payments. The administration now has until Monday to inform the court whether it plans to release the funds.

Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, another judge granted a temporary restraining order blocking the administration from freezing SNAP payments altogether. That ruling, made from the bench, orders the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to distribute contingency funds immediately and report back by noon Monday.

Government’s Argument Rejected

The administration had argued that the $5 billion contingency fund could not legally be used to cover SNAP benefits without new congressional appropriations. But Judge Talwani dismissed that claim, stating the USDA is “statutorily mandated” to use those funds when necessary.

“At core, Defendants’ conclusion that USDA is statutorily prohibited from funding SNAP because Congress has not enacted new appropriations is erroneous,” Talwani wrote. “To the contrary, Defendants are mandated to use the previously appropriated contingency reserve.”

She added that while the emergency funds may not fully cover all November benefits, the government can and should supplement the reserve with other appropriated funds to prevent interruptions in food assistance.

Millions at Risk of Losing Food Access

Without this ruling, SNAP funds were set to run out Saturday, leaving tens of millions of Americans — including children, seniors, and low-income families — without their main source of money for groceries.

SNAP provides eligible families with an average of $187 per month on a prepaid card to purchase food. For many households, these benefits are the difference between eating and going hungry.

Trump Responds on Truth Social

In a Friday night post on Truth Social, President Trump said he had “instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.” He also blamed Democrats for the delay and claimed it would be his “honor” to restore the funding, “just like [he] did with Military and Law Enforcement Pay.”

The Legal Battle and the Stakes

The Massachusetts case, brought by two dozen states and the District of Columbia, argues that the administration’s move to cut off payments was unlawful and would have catastrophic effects on public health.

“Shutting off SNAP benefits will cause deterioration of public health and well-being,” the states said in their filing. “The loss of SNAP leads to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition — all of which have long-term negative health impacts, especially on children.”

Officials warned that the suspension could increase costs for states already struggling with hunger and poverty. Food insecurity is linked to poor concentration, decreased cognitive function, depression, and behavioral problems in children — effects that ripple across generations.

What’s Next for SNAP

The USDA previously stated that “the well has run dry,” insisting it lacked the authority to issue payments during the shutdown. But the court’s decision changes that — at least temporarily.

Judge Talwani clarified that Congress placed no restrictions on the use of the contingency reserve under the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

“This court has now clarified that Defendants are required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program,” she wrote.

While the ruling ensures some immediate relief, experts warn that the contingency funds may only last a few weeks. Without congressional action, another lapse could occur in December.