A federal judge in Rhode Island has acknowledged President Donald Trump’s “quick and definitive response” to a court ruling on Friday over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments, describing the president’s involvement as “greatly appreciated.”
A footnote in the order acknowledges Trump’s involvement, noting the court’s recognition of his efforts to facilitate timely funding.
“The court greatly appreciates the president’s quick and definitive response to this court’s order and his desire to provide the necessary SNAP funding,” U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. wrote in a court order on Saturday.
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) via email outside office hours for comment.
Why It Matters
Approximately 42 million Americans, about one in eight, rely on food stamps each month, receiving benefits through electronic cards that can be used to purchase groceries. Supporters said that delayed or reduced payments would cause significant harm to households dependent on the program.
What To Know
McConnell ruled that USDA must now ensure that SNAP benefits for November reach recipients in full by the end of Monday, November 3, or that partial payments be issued no later than the end of the day on Wednesday, November 5.
“There is no question that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be used now because of the shutdown,” the judge wrote.
The order cites contingency funds from fiscal years 2024 and 2025, as well as Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, as potential sources to ensure SNAP payments are made.
USDA has argued that it lacks the legal authority and sufficient funds to provide full SNAP benefits for November amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. The agency also contended in court that even if contingency funds were available, they would not cover the full payments and implementing reduced benefits nationwide would be administratively challenging.
According to administration lawyers, $5.25 billion is currently available in the program’s contingency fund, though ensuring full payments for November could require at least $8.5 billion.
On Friday, McConnell ordered the federal government to fund SNAP benefits using at least the available contingency funds. An appointee of former President Barack Obama, he rejected the administration’s argument that the funds could only be applied in cases of natural disasters.
Meanwhile, in Boston, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, also an Obama appointee, ruled that USDA must continue SNAP payments, describing the program’s suspension as “unlawful.”
What People Are Saying
District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. wrote in court documents: “There is no question that the congressionally approved contingency funds must be used now because of the shutdown; in fact, the president during his first term issued guidance indicating that these contingency funds are available if SNAP funds lapse due to a government shutdown.”
“I do not want Americans to go hungry,” President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social after McConnell’s ruling on Friday “[I] ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible. . . . If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement: “I’m proud to see courts agree that the Trump Administration has a legal responsibility to support the SNAP program. The USDA needs to release all available funding for this critical program immediately. We’re not going to sit idly by while families go hungry. It’s cruel, it’s immoral, and it’s beneath us as a nation. California will keep fighting to make sure people get the food assistance they need and deserve.”
What Happens Next
USDA must report to the court by noon on November 3 with a plan to comply. If full payments are not completed, partial payments are to follow by Wednesday. The agency could face further enforcement actions if deadlines are missed.
More to follow.
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