Two federal judges have ruled against the Trump administration’s plan to suspend SNAP benefits, preventing millions of low-income Americans from losing critical food assistance during the government shutdown. On Friday, a federal judge in Rhode Island issued a temporary restraining order against the administration, following a lawsuit by US cities, non-profits, and a labor union. Almost simultaneously, a Massachusetts judge ordered the federal government to continue funding the program, based on a case filed by 22 Democratic-led states, the District of Columbia, and three governors. Without these rulings, the US Department of Agriculture had planned to suspend payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting Saturday, 1 November. The program supports nearly 42 million Americans each month, roughly one in eight, helping low-income households avoid food insecurity. The USDA stated it lacked the authority to continue payments without a congressional spending bill, as the government shutdown, which began 1 October, left federal programs in a funding gap. Issuing SNAP benefits costs between $8.5 billion and $9 billion monthly. The Rhode Island plaintiffs argued that the USDA already had sufficient funds to maintain payments. This included $5.25 billion in contingency funds, designed to ensure program operations in emergencies, and another $23 billion in additional funds that could prevent a suspension of SNAP benefits. Judge John McConnell in Providence sided with the plaintiffs, temporarily blocking the administration’s plan to halt aid. Meanwhile, Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ordered the government to clarify by Monday whether it would use contingency funds for partial or full SNAP payments in November. President Trump criticized the rulings, claiming Democrats were responsible for the government shutdown and that he “does NOT want Americans to go hungry.” He said he instructed lawyers to seek court guidance on legally funding SNAP and expressed willingness to provide aid similar to military and law enforcement pay. The Trump administration maintains that contingency funds are intended for natural disasters, not shutdowns. Officials warned that requiring use of emergency reserves could take weeks and might deliver partial benefits, which “has never been made – and for good reason.” In anticipation of federal benefit delays, several states acted to support food-insecure residents. Governors in New York, Delaware, Oregon, and Virginia declared states of emergency to allocate millions in local aid. California’s governor committed $80 million and national guard support to maintain food distribution. State officials in Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Hawaii, and Minnesota have also redirected local funds to food banks and pantries. Rising food prices have already stretched these resources, raising concerns about how households would cope without SNAP assistance. The rulings are expected to face appeals. It remains uncertain how quickly SNAP debit cards will be reloaded, as the process can take one to two weeks. The cases reflect a broader tension during the government shutdown, where federal priorities have been selectively funded. Programs central to Trump’s agenda, such as military and law enforcement pay, continued while SNAP faced suspension. Democratic-led states argued that the USDA had legal authority and sufficient funds to maintain at least partial SNAP operations during the shutdown. The administration’s own previous guidance noted contingency funds could be used for extended closures, but this plan has since been removed from the USDA website. The temporary court orders ensure that SNAP beneficiaries will continue receiving food aid, preventing an unprecedented lapse in the nation’s largest anti-hunger program. With millions relying on these benefits for groceries, the rulings provide immediate relief amid political gridlock. The court decisions highlight the tension between federal authority and state intervention during crises, emphasizing the role of the judiciary in protecting vulnerable populations.