A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states launched a SNAP benefits lawsuit against the Trump administration on Tuesday. The states claim that the government’s refusal to release funding for food assistance programs violates federal obligations. The move follows the administration’s announcement that it will not allocate emergency funds for November SNAP payments.
The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, seeks a federal court order to compel the Agriculture Department to distribute a portion of $9.2 billion in allocated SNAP funds. The plaintiffs argue that the decision threatens to harm millions of low-income Americans who depend on food assistance.
According to the states, halting payments would immediately impact more than 42 million Americans starting November 1. They warn that the lapse will increase hunger, malnutrition, and public health issues across the nation. The filing calls the government’s position “cruel and unlawful,” citing that it disproportionately affects vulnerable households.
During the press event, California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the administration’s actions, describing them as “punishing the poor during a shutdown crisis.” He urged federal leaders to act swiftly to avoid worsening food insecurity nationwide. Newsom emphasized that feeding citizens should remain a moral and governmental responsibility.
The Department of Agriculture stated that its $5 billion contingency fund will remain untouched for potential disaster relief. Officials argued that diverting those funds could weaken the agency’s ability to respond to natural emergencies. The explanation, however, failed to ease growing criticism from governors and advocacy groups.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani will oversee the SNAP benefits lawsuit and hold an emergency hearing to determine whether USDA must release the contingency funds. The states are requesting an immediate injunction to prevent benefits from expiring next week.
Meanwhile, the ongoing government shutdown has already strained federal operations, costing taxpayers an estimated $400 million daily. Congressional leaders remain divided over reopening the government and restoring funding for essential programs.
Opponents of the administration’s decision argue that suspending food aid during a shutdown represents a severe moral failure. They warn that hunger and instability could spread rapidly among struggling families if relief funds remain blocked.
As the SNAP benefits lawsuit proceeds, millions await clarity on whether food assistance will resume before the November deadline. The outcome could shape how future administrations handle aid distribution during political gridlock.
