WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans depending on food assistance will receive full November SNAP benefits after a federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to immediately fund the program, rejecting a proposal to provide only partial payments during the ongoing government shutdown.
U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. affirmed that the administration is required to use available federal funds, including a $4.65 billion contingency reserve, to ensure full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for around 42 million individuals.
“People have gone without for too long,” McConnell said from the bench in Rhode Island. He warned that continued delays would lead to “irreparable harm,” stressing that food banks and charities cannot absorb the surge in demand.
“Last weekend, SNAP benefits lapsed for the first time in our nation’s history,” he said. “This is a problem that could have and should have been avoided.”
The administration had previously agreed to issue only partial payments, saying that fully funding SNAP would take weeks or months. McConnell dismissed that argument, noting that the Agriculture Department already has enough resources to restore full benefits more quickly.
The sequence began with lawsuits filed by cities, nonprofit and faith-based groups, unions, and business organizations demanding government action. Several states have also sued separately to force the release of funds.
McConnell also referenced comments from President Trump, who had threatened to block SNAP payments until the shutdown ends. The judge said those remarks showed a willingness to ignore earlier court instructions.
“This should never happen in America,” McConnell said.
The administration has until Friday to complete the payments. White House and USDA officials did not immediately comment.
