UPDATE: In a critical announcement just made, the Trump administration will only partially fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 42 million Americans this November, amidst the looming threat of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Following recent court rulings in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the decision comes as a response to legal challenges against the USDA’s refusal to utilize a contingency fund intended for food assistance.
Federal judges ruled against the USDA’s actions, demanding an immediate release of funds. Judge John McConnell gave the USDA until the end of Monday to either fully cover SNAP benefits or issue a partial payment. The Trump administration opted for the latter, confirming that $4.65 billion will cover only 50% of eligible households’ benefits.
This partial funding is a temporary relief for millions of low-income families as they face a deepening hunger crisis. Advocates warn that this decision will leave no funds available for new SNAP applicants and jeopardize disaster assistance, further stressing vulnerable communities.
In a statement, Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, emphasized, “While beneficiaries—including children and seniors—will receive some funds, the administration’s actions still deprive them of their full benefits.” She vowed to explore legal options to secure complete funding, highlighting the dire need for comprehensive nutrition support.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who co-led the lawsuit, expressed her disappointment: “Never in the history of the SNAP program has funding been suspended or partially funded. While some funding is better than none, the federal government is only willing to do the bare minimum to assist our residents.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration, stating, “Trump’s decision to only send partial SNAP benefits to 42 million hungry Americans as Thanksgiving approaches is cruel and callous.” He urged for full funding immediately, calling the limited support unacceptable.
Democratic leaders across the country echoed these sentiments. Senator Patty Murray stated, “Trump should have paid SNAP benefits all along. Just now paying the bare minimum is not acceptable.” Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts added, “Millions will still see their benefits delayed because Trump tried to hold SNAP hostage.”
With the government shutdown looming, House Democrats have also expressed outrage over the administration’s decision. Representative Pramila Jayapal stressed that “this is a temporary Band-Aid,” pointing to the urgent need to end the shutdown to fully fund SNAP. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib condemned the administration’s approach, stating, “Trump needs to stop weaponizing hunger.”
As the situation develops, the focus remains on how the administration will respond to ongoing legal challenges and public outcry. Advocates continue to call for immediate action to ensure that all Americans receive the full benefits they are entitled to under SNAP, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent issue affecting millions across the nation.
