Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for withholding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. The 25 state governors and attorneys general argue that the suspension of aid will disproportionately harm millions of low-income Americans, particularly those relying on SNAP for food assistance.
In the lawsuit, states warn that the Trump administration’s refusal to fund SNAP benefits threatens to deprive 42 million Americans of essential food aid, beginning on Nov. 1, when the food assistance is slated to expire. The states argue that the policy decision will lead to food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition, with negative health effects, especially in children.
The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, asks a federal judge to force the USDA to use its $5 billion contingency fund to cover SNAP benefits for November. The Trump administration, however, has stated that it will not draw on the fund, instead directing it toward natural disaster relief. The USDA has not yet provided details on the policy decision, merely noting that the “well has run dry.”
The states involved in the lawsuit include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. These states argue that the loss of SNAP benefits will result in significant health and economic consequences, and that the federal government is failing to protect vulnerable populations during the shutdown.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani will hear the case during an emergency status hearing, during which she will consider the states’ request for an emergency order compelling the USDA to release contingency funds to prevent a lapse in SNAP benefits. The case highlights the growing tensions between the Trump administration and state leaders over the handling of federal aid programs, with the potential for significant financial and social consequences for millions of Americans.