Federal Judges Order Trump Administration to Release SNAP Funds Amid Shutdown

Judicial Orders Mandate SNAP Payments

In a significant development on Friday, October 31, 2025, two federal judges issued rulings compelling the Trump administration to release contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These orders came just one day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was set to halt payments for millions of Americans, a consequence of the ongoing government shutdown. The decisions aim to prevent a complete cutoff of food assistance for approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the program.

Courts Intervene Amid Funding Impasse

U.S. District Judge Jack McConnell, presiding in the District of Rhode Island, and U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, in the District of Massachusetts, both issued separate but similar directives. Judge McConnell ordered the administration to access available funds 'timely or as soon as possible' to disburse at least some SNAP benefits scheduled for November 1. Judge Talwani, in her ruling, directed the government to clarify by Monday how it would proceed with funding, whether partially through contingency funds or fully with additional resources. Both judges were nominated to the bench by President Barack Obama.

The legal actions were initiated by a coalition of 25 Democratic attorneys general and three Democratic governors who argued that the administration had a legal obligation to maintain the program. They contended that withholding the contingency funds violated federal spending laws.

Contingency Funds vs. Program Needs

The USDA had previously stated it could not legally use a contingency fund, estimated to hold between $5 billion and $6 billion, to pay for SNAP benefits during the shutdown. This position marked a reversal from earlier guidance, including a 'Lapse of Funding Plan' that indicated such funds could be utilized. The department had claimed that 'the well has run dry.'

However, the judges rejected the administration's arguments, asserting that the funds could and should be tapped. While the contingency fund is substantial, it is not enough to cover the program's full monthly cost, which ranges from $8 billion to $9 billion nationally. This means that even with the court orders, many states may only be able to make partial November payments.

Anticipated Delays and Broader Shutdown Context

Despite the judicial intervention, delays in benefit distribution are still expected. Logistical challenges, such as the time required to process and reload Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, could mean that recipients may not receive their payments on time, potentially taking one to two weeks.

The ongoing government shutdown, which prompted this crisis, stems from a political impasse in Congress. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over funding bills, with disagreements including the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies. The uncertainty surrounding SNAP payments has caused widespread concern among beneficiaries and advocacy groups, highlighting the program's critical role as a social safety net for approximately 1 in 8 Americans.