Judges Demand SNAP Funding Decision Amid Shutdown, Trump Admin To Decide Today
The Trump administration faces a critical Monday deadline to inform federal judges whether it will fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown. The program, serving 1 in 8 Americans, costs about $8 billion monthly and stands as a cornerstone of the national safety net.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture initially announced plans to halt payments beginning Nov. 1, citing a lack of funds as the shutdown dragged on. But two rulings—one from U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell in Rhode Island and another from Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts—ordered the administration to keep the food aid program running, using contingency or emergency reserves if necessary.
McConnell set Monday as the deadline for an update, requiring full payments by the end of the day or partial payments recalculated and distributed by Wednesday. Talwani also mandated that the government confirm whether it will draw from the USDA’s $5 billion contingency fund or an additional $23 billion reserve to cover the November cycle.
President Donald Trump took to social media Friday, declaring he did “NOT want Americans to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT.” Yet, his administration has not clarified whether it will deliver full or reduced benefits.
Democratic attorneys general and governors from 25 states, along with the District of Columbia, have challenged the administration’s decision to freeze payments, arguing the USDA has a legal duty to maintain SNAP operations. Several cities and nonprofits have also joined lawsuits to prevent further disruption.
Judge McConnell further ruled that all existing waivers particularly those exempting veterans, older adults, and other vulnerable groups from work requirements. Must remain active, reversing the USDA’s suspension of those waivers during the shutdown.
Regardless of Monday’s outcome, millions of households face uncertainty. Even if payments are approved, the process of reloading benefits cards can take up to two weeks in many states.
Advocates warn that delays could push families to choose between groceries and other basic needs. Some state governments and nonprofits are stepping in with emergency food assistance and faster benefit-loading programs to bridge the gap.
SNAP eligibility remains tied to income thresholds—families of four earning under about $32,000 annually after deductions qualify. Last year, nearly 42 million Americans relied on SNAP, with families with children making up the majority.
