Judge to rule if SNAP must continue during shutdown

Published: Friday, October 31, 2025 at 4:30 pm

Judge to Rule on SNAP Funding During Government Shutdown

Washington – A federal judge is poised to decide today whether the Trump administration must continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, during the ongoing government shutdown. The ruling from Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts comes as state officials are racing to prevent millions of low-income Americans from losing their benefits, which are set to expire this Saturday.

The legal battle centers on the administration's refusal to utilize approximately $5 billion in reserve funds designated for SNAP. This reserve could potentially provide at least partial payments to recipients. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit this week, arguing the White House has a legal and moral obligation to provide the benefits. During a hearing, Judge Talwani expressed skepticism regarding the government's claims of legal and budgetary hurdles to accessing the funds.

The Trump administration has maintained its position, even after taking steps to rearrange the budget to sustain other programs. The Agriculture Department initially planned to use the reserve funds but reversed course, citing legal constraints. Democrats have largely rejected this interpretation.

SNAP provides crucial support to roughly 42 million people, costing the federal government approximately $8 billion monthly. Without intervention, the program is expected to run out of funds, potentially causing significant economic hardship for vulnerable families. Some states have attempted to provide their own aid, but their resources are limited. The average SNAP benefit is around $187 per month per recipient.

A ruling against the administration would represent a significant setback. The Justice Department may appeal any adverse decision, potentially delaying aid further.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation highlights the complex interplay between political gridlock and the essential needs of the most vulnerable citizens. While the administration's stance is rooted in a desire to maintain fiscal discipline, the potential consequences for millions of Americans are severe. A moderate approach would prioritize ensuring basic needs are met while working towards a sustainable long-term solution to the budget impasse.

Keywords: SNAP, food stamps, government shutdown, funding, Judge Indira Talwani, Trump administration, benefits, low-income, hunger, emergency funds, lawsuit, Agriculture Department, Congress, economic impact, federal aid

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