Judge rules Trump administration must release emergency SNAP funds

Published October 31, 2025 2:39pm ET



A federal judge in Rhode Island said the Trump administration must tap into a contingency fund to help cover food stamp benefits during the government shutdown, an order that came just one day before recipients were set to miss benefits.

Judge Jack McConnell blocked the Trump administration from stopping Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits because of the government shutdown. There is a SNAP contingency fund worth some $5 billion, which the ruling found should be used.

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