A federal judge in Rhode Island issued a crucial ruling on Friday, blocking the Trump administration from cutting off SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.
This decision provides immediate relief for 42 million Americans who rely on the program, often called food stamps, to feed their families. The ruling by Judge Jack McConnell came just one day before the administration was scheduled to halt the assistance.
The Core of the Legal Battle
During the hearing, a Justice Department lawyer, Tyler Becker, made a stunning argument: because Congress had not appropriated funds due to the shutdown, "There is no SNAP program."
Becker also argued that it was at the administration's discretion whether to use a $6 billion contingency fund that Congress had already set aside for such situations.
Judge McConnell disagreed. He ordered the administration to use those contingency funds to maintain at least some of the SNAP benefits. He also instructed the administration to immediately look for any other available federal funds to keep the program running.
"Hunger is Not a Political Weapon"
The ruling was celebrated by the plaintiffs—a coalition of cities, charitable groups, and unions.
"Today’s ruling is a lifeline for millions of families, seniors, and veterans who depend on SNAP to put food on the table," the coalition said in a statement. "It reaffirms a fundamental principle: no administration can use hunger as a political weapon."
A Spreading Legal Challenge
The legal pressure is mounting from more than one direction. Minutes after the Rhode Island ruling, a federal judge in Boston, Indira Talwani, weighed in on a separate, similar lawsuit.
Judge Talwani said the plaintiffs in her case are "likely to succeed" on their claim that the administration’s suspension of SNAP benefits is unlawful. She has ordered the administration to report by Monday on its plans for November's benefits.
The Trump administration is likely to appeal the order, but for now, the benefits that millions of Americans depend on are safe.