Federal Judges Order Trump Administration to Use $5B Contingency Funds to Sustain SNAP During Government Shutdown

Two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown by using contingency funds, countering the administration's plan to freeze payments. The program, which supports about one in eight Americans and costs around $8 billion monthly, faced a halt starting November 1, prompting legal challenges from Democratic officials in 25 states and the District of Columbia who argued the USDA has a legal obligation to keep it operational. The administration initially claimed it could not use a $5 billion contingency fund, but courts ruled that at least part of the funds must be used to prevent disruption. Judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island demanded updates on funding progress by Monday and underscored that suspending SNAP benefits would cause substantial harm. Additionally, previous waivers exempting work requirements were ordered to remain in effect during the shutdown. These rulings represent a significant legal pushback against the administration's suspension of SNAP benefits amid the federal funding lapse.