PROVIDENCE, R.I., Nov. 6, 2025 — A federal judge in Rhode Island on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to fully cover food stamp benefits for tens of millions of Americans this month, overturning a plan to issue only partial payments.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge John McConnell comes days after the administration said it would fund just a portion of November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by using $4.65 billion from an emergency reserve.
McConnell, however, said during a hastily called hearing that the government had failed to act swiftly enough to comply with his earlier order and that its decision to release only partial funds was “arbitrary and capricious.”
“People have gone without for too long,” McConnell said from the bench. “Not making payments to them for even another day is simply unacceptable.”
Under the new order, the administration must draw on billions of dollars held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in a separate funding account to ensure full benefits are distributed. The judge directed that those payments be released to state agencies — which administer SNAP — by Friday (CNN).
Background on the SNAP Funding Dispute
The decision marks another legal setback for the administration amid the ongoing government shutdown. Earlier this week, USDA officials said they would provide up to 65 percent of regular SNAP benefits for November due to limited contingency funding.
Judge McConnell’s latest order effectively overrides that guidance, requiring USDA to pay 100 percent of monthly benefits nationwide.
SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, supports roughly 42 million Americans, with payments distributed on a staggered schedule throughout each month. The program helps low-income households afford groceries and is considered one of the government’s most vital anti-hunger initiatives (USDA FNS).
What Happens Next
The USDA has not yet commented on whether it will appeal McConnell’s order or how it plans to access the additional funds required. States are expected to begin issuing full benefits once the federal payments are received.
Advocates for low-income families welcomed the ruling, calling it a crucial intervention after weeks of uncertainty. Anti-hunger organizations said the delay in payments had left many Americans struggling to pay for groceries and essentials.
“This ruling ensures millions of families won’t go hungry because of bureaucratic delay,” said one nonprofit leader familiar with the case.
As the shutdown continues into its sixth week, the fight over SNAP funding has become a flashpoint in broader political negotiations over government spending and social safety-net programs (CNN Politics).
Source: CNN – Federal judge orders Trump administration to make full November SNAP payments