Judges Order Trump Administration to Tap Emergency Funds for SNAP Amid Shutdown
Summary: Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to use emergency reserves to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown. The rulings ensure that food benefits for more than 42 million Americans will not be cut off, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirming payments could resume by Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Washington, D.C. — In a significant intervention, federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have ruled that the Trump administration must draw on contingency funds to maintain SNAP payments during the prolonged government shutdown. The decisions came just as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had planned to freeze benefits beginning November 1, raising fears of widespread food insecurity.
Court Rulings
- Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts found that Congress intended SNAP benefits to continue, even at reduced levels, when appropriated funds run short.
- Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island went further, directing the administration to ensure full payments where possible.
Both rulings emphasized the legal obligation to protect low-income families from abrupt loss of food assistance.
Administration Response
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that emergency reserves would be released, saying SNAP benefits could be restored by Wednesday, November 5. However, officials cautioned that some payments may be delayed or partial, depending on how quickly funds can be disbursed.
Impact on Families
SNAP, the nation’s largest food aid program, supports more than 42 million Americans. Advocacy groups had warned that a lapse in payments would have immediate and severe consequences, particularly for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Food banks across the country had already reported surging demand in anticipation of the freeze.
Political Context
The rulings come amid a stalemated shutdown, with Congress deadlocked over budget negotiations. While the court orders provide temporary relief, they do not resolve the broader funding impasse. Analysts note that the reliance on emergency reserves underscores the fragility of safety-net programs during political gridlock.
In short: Federal judges have compelled the Trump administration to use contingency funds to keep SNAP running during the shutdown, averting a crisis for millions of households. Benefits are expected to resume by midweek, though uncertainty remains over long-term funding.
Sources: U.S. News & World Report; CBS News; Economic Times U.S. News & World Report CBS News The Economic Times.
