Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the administration must tap into contingency funds to continue payments under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The rulings come as funding was set to expire, threatening food support for roughly 42 million Americans.
Judge Indira Talwani determined that federal law requires the use of previously appropriated emergency funds to maintain at least partial SNAP payments. A second ruling in Rhode Island echoed that conclusion, issuing a temporary restraining order compelling the U.S. Department of Agriculture to release contingency funds. The court directed the administration to report back by Monday on its compliance plans.
President Trump, currently serving his second term, stated that his administration would fund SNAP “if given the appropriate legal direction by the Court.” He instructed government lawyers to seek clarification and argued that Democrats caused unnecessary delays. “It will be my honor to provide the funding,” he posted on Truth Social.
Political Divide Deepens Over Shutdown Strategy
The court decisions temporarily remove a major pressure point in the ongoing federal shutdown, now stretching beyond a month. Democrats had accused the administration of withholding food aid as leverage to force a funding agreement, while Republicans claimed Democrats blocked essential spending legislation.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune reaffirmed his opposition to ending the 60-vote filibuster threshold, despite President Trump urging Republicans to invoke the “nuclear option” to pass funding without Democratic support. Thune has argued the filibuster protects the nation from extreme policy swings and remains a critical element of Senate procedure.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, welcomed the rulings, saying the administration “has no excuse” to delay SNAP funds. She noted bipartisan efforts to secure emergency SNAP authority, although the Senate has not yet advanced related legislation. “The court was clear—the funds must be used. Any refusal now would be a political choice,” she said.
Impact Felt Nationwide as Shutdown Strains Workforce
With essential federal programs strained and three other assistance programs set to run out of funds, many low-income households remain uncertain about continued support. USDA data shows that SNAP recipients include a broad demographic cross-section, with children making up nearly 39% of beneficiaries and the majority of single-person households being elderly or disabled.
Meanwhile, operational stress is spreading across government systems. The FAA reported rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers, who have worked without pay since the shutdown began. Nearly 80% of controllers in the New York region were absent on Friday, forcing delays and temporary ground stops at airports nationwide.
“After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue,” the agency warned, noting widespread staffing shortages across major facilities.
The rulings on SNAP may prevent immediate hardship for millions, but they could also diminish urgency on Capitol Hill to broker a long-term deal, prolonging broader disruptions across federal services.
