In response to a judge’s order to distribute full November SNAP benefits, the Trump administration has appealed, seeking to block the directive and continue with planned partial payments. Despite the administration’s stance, some states like Wisconsin have already begun issuing full benefits, while others are still working on partial distributions. The court battle has created uncertainty for SNAP recipients, with some states awaiting further guidance. The administration argues the court order violates the separation of powers.
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Vice President Vance criticized a federal court ruling mandating full SNAP payments for November, arguing the judiciary shouldn’t dictate spending during the government shutdown. He asserted the administration’s preference to fund SNAP once Democrats end the shutdown, which has already been the longest in US history. The administration planned to cut off SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million Americans, which Judge John McConnell had previously ordered them to fund, leading to the Justice Department’s appeal of the ruling and casting uncertainty on the program. The administration has been attempting to shift funds to cover some government operations, but has indicated it may not be able to do so for SNAP.
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Trump administration’s failure to fully fund food aid benefits by Friday, as mandated by the US judge, immediately raises a multitude of concerns. The most pressing of these is, quite simply, the potential for millions of Americans to face food insecurity. The very core of this ruling is about ensuring people have access to basic necessities, and the potential for non-compliance throws this into stark relief. The fact that the administration is even considering defying the order speaks volumes. It’s almost as if the judge’s ruling carries no weight, a sentiment echoed by the concerned citizens.
This blatant disregard for the legal process feels like a recurring theme.… Continue reading
The ongoing government shutdown has caused significant disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving millions of recipients without access to their food benefits. Due to the shutdown, people like Gia Haley and Erica Arneson have not received their SNAP payments, forcing them to rely on food banks or skip meals altogether. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to distribute SNAP funding in full, but the delay has already caused widespread hardship. Food banks across the country are facing increased demand and are struggling to meet the needs of those affected.
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More concerning than lavish parties amidst economic hardship is the reliance of 42 million Americans on SNAP benefits. This reliance stems from the federal minimum wage, stagnant at $7.25 for 16 years, failing to keep pace with rising costs and the economic realities faced by full-time workers. While proposals like the “Raise the Wage Act of 2025” aim to increase the minimum wage, its failure to increase in 16 years sends a powerful message that the government does not prioritize workers, thereby increasing the dependence on federal assistance programs.
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A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to fully deliver SNAP payments to states by Friday. The order came after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the program during the government shutdown. The judge determined the administration needed to use additional funding to ensure payments were delivered in full. This action followed a lawsuit alleging that the USDA’s actions were arbitrary.
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Colorado voters approved Proposition MM, a measure that increases taxes on high-income households to fully fund free school meals for all public school children and support the SNAP program. The tax increase, impacting households earning $300,000 or more, will generate revenue to cover the costs of the free meals program, including staff raises and local food sourcing, while any surplus will support SNAP administration. This initiative follows the passage of Proposition FF in 2022, which initially established the Healthy School Meals for All Program but lacked sufficient long-term funding. The passage of Proposition MM ensures the continuation of free school meals for all children and also provides funding to help administer new SNAP requirements.
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President Trump declared that November food stamps will be withheld until the government reopens, as stated in a Truth Social post. This decision contradicts previous court rulings from federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, which mandated the administration to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The USDA has authorized states to begin dispersing benefits, using contingency funds to cover only 50% of eligible households’ current food stamp allotments. However, Democracy Forward has filed a motion to compel the administration to disperse benefits immediately, and legal action remains pending regarding the legality of Trump’s decision.
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Amidst the ongoing government shutdown, Senate Republicans have blocked a Democratic effort to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving millions of Americans facing food insecurity. The Democratic resolution, backed by 44 senators, sought to immediately restore SNAP benefits, which had run out of resources. However, the measure was blocked by Republicans, with Senator John Barrasso calling it a “political stunt.” The Trump administration has since announced the use of a USDA contingency fund to partially restore SNAP benefits, though it is only providing approximately half of the needed funding.
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President Trump announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be withheld until Democrats agree to reopen the government, reversing the USDA’s prior commitment to distribute at least partial benefits. This decision, conveyed via a Truth Social post, contradicts a court order and potentially impacts over 22 million households that rely on SNAP. The USDA, which administers SNAP, had previously stated its ability to provide reduced benefits, but the president’s stance adds further uncertainty to the ongoing government shutdown. Trump attributed the higher SNAP spending to the previous administration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood