The government has been shut down since October 1, leaving 42 million SNAP recipients in limbo. With food aid delayed and tensions rising between lawmakers, pressure has intensified on the Trump administration to act, even without a funding deal from Congress.
Court Orders Force Partial Payout Despite USDA Concerns
Two separate federal rulings issued on Friday ordered the administration to disburse SNAP payments using $5.25 billion in contingency funds still available, after lawsuits brought by several Democratic-led states. According to U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island, there is “no question” that Congress-approved emergency funds must now be deployed due to the extended shutdown.
A second ruling by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts called the suspension of benefits “unlawful,” instructing the USDA to confirm by Monday whether it would release full or partial benefits. The agency has argued it lacks the authority and funding to cover the full $8.5 billion needed for November benefits. Officials also cited administrative difficulties in implementing partial payments nationwide.
Still, Bessent confirmed the administration does not intend to appeal the decisions. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, he noted, “There’s a process that has to be followed. He added that the system to reload benefit cards could take up to two weeks in some states, further delaying access to critical grocery support.
Political Deadlock Prolongs Aid Delay
While the judicial intervention averts a full suspension, the benefits’ reinstatement is caught in a broader political standoff. The Trump administration continues to blame the delay on the Democratic Party, asserting that five Senate Democrats crossing the aisle would be enough to end the shutdown. Republicans hold a majority in both chambers but lack the votes needed to pass a continuing resolution without bipartisan support.
“President Trump wants to make sure that people get their food benefits,” said Bessent. The President, in a Truth Social post on Friday, claimed government lawyers were still uncertain whether existing funds could legally be used for SNAP without congressional approval. “Now two courts have issued conflicting opinions on what we can and cannot do,” he wrote.
Outside of Washington, the situation has prompted emergency responses at the state level. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $100 million in emergency food funding, while local food banks across the country have mobilized in anticipation of prolonged delays. According to California Governor Gavin Newsom, the federal inaction is “immoral” and “beneath us as a nation.”
Meanwhile, opinions remain divided on Capitol Hill. Senator Bernie Sanders accused the administration of “trying to make a political point by allowing children in America to go hungry,” while Senator Rand Paul questioned the growth in SNAP reliance altogether, posting, “We need to ask ourselves why so many Americans are on SNAP.”
Federal officials are expected to submit a formal plan to judges by Monday outlining how SNAP benefits will be issued for November. For now, tens of millions of Americans wait, uncertain if food assistance will reach them before their cupboards run bare.
