Politics

Judges Order Trump Administration to Release Emergency Funds for Food Stamps: What You Need to Know

Judges ordered Trump admin to use funds for food stamps, partially covering Nov. benefits amid shutdown.

October 31, 2025, 4:36 PM

A red sign indicating that the establishment accepts EBT cards for the USDA SNAP program. By Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com

Executive Summary

Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to utilize $5.3 billion in emergency funds to at least partially cover November food stamp benefits for tens of millions of Americans.

The $5.3 billion in contingency funds will not fully cover the approximately $9 billion monthly cost of SNAP, although a judge suggested the USDA could authorize additional transfers.

Despite the judicial intervention, millions of SNAP recipients are still anticipated to experience delays in receiving their November benefits.

The Story So Far

The immediate crisis regarding food stamp benefits stems from an ongoing, month-long government shutdown, which disrupted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) usual funding mechanisms and threatened assistance for tens of millions of Americans. Despite the availability of billions in contingency funds, the Trump administration’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) initially asserted it could not access these resources to maintain benefits during the impasse, leading to judicial intervention.

Why This Matters

Federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to utilize billions in emergency funds to at least partially cover November food stamp benefits for millions of Americans, rejecting the USDA’s claim of no available funds and providing critical, albeit delayed, relief for recipients. This judicial intervention underscores the courts’ role in maintaining federal programs during government shutdowns, even as the broader funding impasse and potential future benefit shortfalls remain unresolved.

Who Thinks What?

Federal judges ordered the Trump administration to utilize billions in emergency contingency funds to cover food stamp benefits, asserting these funds are “appropriated” and “necessary” for the program’s operation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initially asserted it could not access a contingency fund to maintain benefits during the government shutdown.

President Donald Trump commented that the government could continue to fund critical food aid beyond November 1 if Democrats agreed to reopen the government.

Two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to utilize billions in emergency funds to at least partially cover food stamp benefits for tens of millions of Americans in November. The rulings, issued on Friday, rejected the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) assertion that it could not access a contingency fund to maintain benefits during the ongoing month-long government shutdown.

Judicial Rulings

U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island and U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts both issued orders mandating the use of the contingency fund, which the USDA reported to have $5.3 billion remaining. These decisions came as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faced a lapse in funding due to the shutdown.

Judge McConnell emphasized that the contingency funds are “appropriated funds that are without a doubt necessary to carry out the program’s operation.” He added that the government shutdown does not eliminate SNAP, only its funding mechanism.

While the $5.3 billion in contingency funds will not fully cover the approximately $9 billion monthly cost of SNAP, Judge Talwani’s order suggested that the USDA could potentially supplement these funds by authorizing a transfer of additional money to ensure full benefits. However, this decision remains at the administration’s discretion.

Impact on Recipients

Despite the judicial intervention, millions of SNAP recipients are still anticipated to experience delays in receiving their benefits. Payments were originally scheduled to begin distribution on November 1, and it will take time for the Department of Agriculture and state agencies to process and disburse the funds.

President Trump’s Stance

President Donald Trump commented on Friday that the government could continue to fund critical food aid beyond November 1, a statement that appeared to contradict his administration’s earlier claims of no available funds. The President suggested that the issue could be resolved if Democrats agreed to reopen the government.

The Path Forward

These court orders represent a significant development in addressing the financial stability of federal benefit programs amidst the shutdown. They ensure a measure of relief for SNAP recipients while underscoring the broader challenges in resolving the government’s funding impasse.