Trump's Food Stamp Blockade Backfires as Federal Judges Step In
In a significant victory for millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity, two federal judges have blocked the Trump administration from suspending vital food stamp benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. The decision comes after the Trump administration threatened to withhold vital assistance, leaving families on the brink of hunger.
The move was sparked by a group of US cities, non-profit organizations, and a trade union, which filed a lawsuit arguing that the federal government's decision to suspend Snap benefits was unlawful. The USDA had planned to stop payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as Snap or food stamps, on November 1st, putting millions at risk of financial hardship.
Federal Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order blocking the suspension of Snap benefits, while another judge in Massachusetts gave the administration until Monday to say whether it would partly pay for the benefits using contingency funds. The rulings are likely to face appeals, but for now, they offer a lifeline to families who rely on these vital benefits.
The Trump administration had argued that it lacked authority to pay Snap benefits during a government shutdown, despite having billions of federal dollars left over, including emergency funds specifically marked for the program. The move was seen as an attempt to block relief from low-income households, with President Trump labeling it "Radical Democrats" who refuse to reopen the government.
However, in a stunning reversal, two federal judges have intervened, ordering the administration to use available funds to continue paying Snap benefits. The decision has been hailed by advocates and lawmakers, who welcomed the intervention as a vital lifeline for families struggling with food insecurity.
In a statement, President Trump vowed to appeal the decisions, writing on Truth Social that he would ask the court to clarify how to fund Snap benefits legally. However, it appears that the federal judges have dealt a significant blow to his administration's efforts to block relief from low-income households.
As the government shutdown enters its second week, officials are bracing for the loss of federal nutrition assistance, with food banks and panies already stretched thin amid rising food prices. States such as Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Minnesota have announced plans to tap state and local funds to provide food aid, while governors such as Kathy Hochul of New York and Gavin Newsom of California have declared the looming crisis a state of emergency.
In a stark contrast to his administration's actions, President Trump has repeatedly praised his own efforts to support military and law enforcement personnel during the shutdown. The decision by two federal judges to block Snap benefits serves as a reminder that even in times of crisis, some semblance of compassion and empathy is still possible.
In a significant victory for millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity, two federal judges have blocked the Trump administration from suspending vital food stamp benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. The decision comes after the Trump administration threatened to withhold vital assistance, leaving families on the brink of hunger.
The move was sparked by a group of US cities, non-profit organizations, and a trade union, which filed a lawsuit arguing that the federal government's decision to suspend Snap benefits was unlawful. The USDA had planned to stop payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as Snap or food stamps, on November 1st, putting millions at risk of financial hardship.
Federal Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order blocking the suspension of Snap benefits, while another judge in Massachusetts gave the administration until Monday to say whether it would partly pay for the benefits using contingency funds. The rulings are likely to face appeals, but for now, they offer a lifeline to families who rely on these vital benefits.
The Trump administration had argued that it lacked authority to pay Snap benefits during a government shutdown, despite having billions of federal dollars left over, including emergency funds specifically marked for the program. The move was seen as an attempt to block relief from low-income households, with President Trump labeling it "Radical Democrats" who refuse to reopen the government.
However, in a stunning reversal, two federal judges have intervened, ordering the administration to use available funds to continue paying Snap benefits. The decision has been hailed by advocates and lawmakers, who welcomed the intervention as a vital lifeline for families struggling with food insecurity.
In a statement, President Trump vowed to appeal the decisions, writing on Truth Social that he would ask the court to clarify how to fund Snap benefits legally. However, it appears that the federal judges have dealt a significant blow to his administration's efforts to block relief from low-income households.
As the government shutdown enters its second week, officials are bracing for the loss of federal nutrition assistance, with food banks and panies already stretched thin amid rising food prices. States such as Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Minnesota have announced plans to tap state and local funds to provide food aid, while governors such as Kathy Hochul of New York and Gavin Newsom of California have declared the looming crisis a state of emergency.
In a stark contrast to his administration's actions, President Trump has repeatedly praised his own efforts to support military and law enforcement personnel during the shutdown. The decision by two federal judges to block Snap benefits serves as a reminder that even in times of crisis, some semblance of compassion and empathy is still possible.