Judge orders Trump administration to fully fund Snap food benefits

November 7, 2025

A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to provide full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves approximately 42 million Americans, accusing officials of withholding food aid for political purposes during the ongoing government shutdown. The judge mandated immediate full payment by Friday after the administration had only planned to distribute 65% of benefits, warning that 16 million children face immediate hunger risks and criticizing President Trump's statement that benefits would only resume after the shutdown ends. The lawsuit was brought by local governments and advocacy groups after the USDA announced it would halt food assistance distributions starting November 1st due to lack of funding from the month-long shutdown that began October 1st.

Who is affected

42 million Americans (approximately 1 in 8 people) who receive SNAP benefits
16 million children identified as immediately at risk of going hungry
Local governments and individual US states that administer SNAP benefits
Non-profit groups and advocacy organizations including Democracy Forward
Charity food pantries experiencing increased demand

What action is being taken

Judge John McConnell has ordered the Trump administration to provide full SNAP funding by Friday
The administration is complying with the judge's order (according to the spokeswoman's clarification)
Local governments are directing recipients to charity food pantries
Food pantries are holding emergency drives
The White House is planning to appeal the ruling

Why it matters

This ruling prevents a potential humanitarian crisis affecting millions of vulnerable Americans, particularly children, who depend on SNAP benefits for basic nutrition. The case represents a significant conflict between judicial authority and executive branch decisions during a government crisis, establishing that legally mandated social safety net programs cannot be suspended for political leverage. The situation highlights the real-world consequences of extended government shutdowns on the most economically vulnerable populations, who receive on average less than $6 per person per day for food assistance.

What's next

Benefits must be paid by Friday (as ordered by the judge)
The White House plans to appeal the ruling
The government shutdown continues with no resolution stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC