The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to halt a judge’s directive requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to deliver full food stamp benefits to more than 42 million Americans this month, as the government shutdown continues into its second month.
The challenge came swiftly after U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island ordered the USDA to release November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments by Friday. McConnell sharply criticized the administration for holding back food aid for what he described as political reasons during the prolonged shutdown.
In its appeal to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, the Justice Department argued that the judge had overstepped, asserting that courts cannot direct the executive branch to allocate or spend federal funds.
“There is no lawful basis for ordering the USDA to dig $4 billion out of thin air,” the department wrote. “This crisis stems from congressional gridlock and only Congress can resolve it.”
SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, assists Americans earning less than 130% of the federal poverty threshold. Benefits average $298 monthly for single-person households and $546 for two-person homes.
The legal battle was initiated by major U.S. cities and community organizations pressing for the restoration of benefits amid what they call a deepening humanitarian strain. A coalition of Democratic-led states has also filed related suits.
Earlier this week, the USDA announced that it would only issue partial November benefits — a decision now at the center of a widening confrontation between the administration, the courts, and millions of struggling families.
