The Trump administration announced on Monday that it would provide partial relief to food stamp recipients 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% of usual levels, following a court order from U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island. The judge ruled that the administration could not withhold Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds during the shutdown, prompting President Donald J. Trump to pledge compliance if given “appropriate legal direction.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that while some states might face delays, benefits could begin flowing by Wednesday. However, the disbursement faces potential legal challenges due to questions surrounding Judge McConnell’s nationwide order, which critics argue conflicts with a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting such orders to class-action lawsuits. Additionally, the SNAP program itself is in legal limbo after its congressional authorization lapsed in 2023, with temporary funding through continuing resolutions blocked by Senate Democrats last month.
