U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. dropped a bombshell Thursday, demanding the Trump administration dig up billions extra to fully fund SNAP benefits for November – right in the middle of this endless government shutdown.
The whole mess started when cities and nonprofits whined that Trump’s team was only covering 65% of the maximum benefits. That means some families would get zilch this month, all because of the shutdown.
Judge McConnell didn’t hold back in his rant: “The defendants failed to consider the practical consequences associated with this decision to only partially fund SNAP.”
“They knew that there would be a long delay in paying partial SNAP payments and failed to consider the harms individuals who rely on those benefits would suffer.”
This is the same judge who, along with another, ruled last week that Trump couldn’t skip November’s payments entirely.
They forced the use of a $4.6 billion emergency slush fund, but even that wasn’t enough for the full $8.5 to $9 billion monthly tab. Trump’s administration said no more – it’s Congress’s job to appropriate the cash.
This past Monday, the administration stood firm: no extra funds without Congress acting. Then Trump laid down the law, warning he might hold back benefits unless Democrats stop playing games and reopen the government.
Trump’s press secretary clarified loud and clear: partial benefits are going out for November, but if the shutdown drags on, future months are in jeopardy.
By late Wednesday, USDA officials confirmed after crunching numbers that benefits would max out at 65% of normal.
That’s still billions flowing to those in need, but not the full feast without congressional approval. Trump’s team is doing everything possible with tied hands.
Then comes Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, grandstanding at a food bank Thursday morning. She blasted the administration, saying: “Come on. You know, you’re going to partially fund food for Americans? You’re going to let people starve?”
This Rhode Island ruling is peak judicial tyranny – an Obama-appointed judge overriding the executive branch during a standoff Democrats created.
Real Americans see through this. Trump’s partial payments keep food on tables now, while pressuring Congress to do its job.
When do you think the government will re-open? As always, comment down below with your thoughts!
