Judge Orders Trump Administration to Pay Full SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits ruling by federal judge orders Trump to pay

Ruling seeks to end payment delays

White House appeals but must comply immediately

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to pay all SNAP benefits in full after determining that the government violated a previous court order by failing to meet established deadlines — a delay the judge called “unacceptable,” leaving more than 42 million people without food assistance.

SNAP Benefits Ruling Orders Trump Administration to Pay After Government Shutdown

Breaking News | A judge orders the Trump administration to pay all November SNAP benefits.

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— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) November 6, 2025

A Rhode Island federal judge, John McConnell Jr., ordered the Trump administration to release all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funds after weeks of delays caused by the ongoing government shutdown.

According to the ruling, the administration was required to make full payments immediately or at least partial disbursements before Wednesday — but failed to do so.

For that reason, the court ordered the release of $9 billion within 24 hours.

Food Assistance Benefits: A Vital Lifeline

SNAP food benefits are a lifeline for millions of Hispanic families across the United States, particularly for those with low incomes or unstable employment.

During the shutdown, many Latino households experienced interrupted benefits and were forced to rely on food banks or community aid.

With this judicial decision, payments will resume in full, ensuring the continuation of the program and offering much-needed relief to struggling families.

What Authorities Are Saying

Vice President JD Vance criticized the SNAP benefits ruling as “absurd,” arguing that “a federal judge should not dictate what we do during a Democratic shutdown.”

However, Judge McConnell emphasized that the administration had clear options to comply and chose not to act.

What Comes Next

The case has been appealed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, but for now, the SNAP benefits payments must proceed immediately.

Legal experts note that this ruling could set a precedent for future government shutdowns, compelling the White House to ensure funding for essential programs such as SNAP.