Trump Administration Ordered to Fund SNAP Amid Ongoing Shutdown

URGENT UPDATE: Two federal judges have mandated that the Trump administration must utilize a contingency fund to sustain the vital Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as the federal government shutdown stretches into its 31st day. This decision comes as SNAP is projected to exhaust its funds by November 1, threatening food aid for 42 million Americans.

Massachusetts U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, appointed by former President Barack Obama, has given the administration until Monday to clarify if they will tap into the contingency fund, which holds approximately $5 billion. This amount is deemed insufficient to cover even half of November’s SNAP expenses, according to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

Another Obama-appointed judge, Chief U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. from Rhode Island, has emphasized the need for the administration to utilize this fund to avert a lapse in food assistance. He also has requested an update on Monday, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The ramifications of these rulings are critical. If the government fails to secure funding, there will be a devastating impact on millions of families relying on SNAP during this prolonged shutdown. Rollins indicated during a press conference that the current funds are inadequate and that SNAP’s operational budget is approximately $9.2 billion.

“SNAP recipients shouldn’t go without food. People should be getting paid in this country,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Despite the court’s decision, it remains unclear how quickly beneficiaries will regain access to the program, as reloading the SNAP debit cards typically takes around two weeks. House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that the judicial process could extend funding discussions for “weeks or months.”

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has previously stated that utilizing the contingency fund for SNAP may be illegal. However, funds from tariff revenue and unused Pentagon research budgets have been redirected to support other programs, such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and military salaries.

Democrats have pointed to an alternative fund with $23 billion available, urging Republicans to reopen the government, but partisan disagreements have stalled progress. Johnson indicated that Democrats have voted against reopening measures 13 times, which has exacerbated the crisis for SNAP and other essential services.

As the deadline approaches, the pressure mounts for a resolution. The lives of millions hang in the balance, with federal employees, military members, and FAA workers also enduring the shutdown’s harsh consequences. Both parties face scrutiny as the public awaits decisive action to restore critical funding.

This situation is developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest.