Trump administration asks appeals court to immediately halt ruling on SNAP funding
The Trump administration is facing a legal battle over the funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A judge’s ruling on Thursday ordered the administration to fully fund SNAP by today, but the administration has requested an emergency stay from the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Lawyers for the Department of Justice argue that the district court ruling infringes on the separation of powers, stating that courts do not have the authority to appropriate or spend funds. They argue that SNAP benefits are subject to available appropriations and cannot be compelled by a federal judge.
The Trump administration has raised concerns about using $4 billion from Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act Amendment of 1935 to fund November SNAP benefits. They argue that these funds are necessary for child nutrition programs, such as WIC, and diverting them to SNAP would harm other essential programs.
During a court hearing, Judge John J. McConnell Jr. expressed skepticism about the administration’s arguments, pointing out that WIC has sufficient funding through May while SNAP is already out of money. He accused the administration of withholding SNAP benefits for political reasons.
McConnell had previously ordered the government to use emergency funds to pay for SNAP in time for November 1 payments, but the administration only partially funded the program, citing the need to preserve funds for WIC. In response to McConnell’s ruling to fully fund SNAP for November, the administration has requested the appeals court to allow them to continue with partial payments.
Despite the administration’s efforts to delay the ruling, McConnell denied their request for a stay, emphasizing that people have already suffered enough and delaying payments further would be unacceptable. The legal battle over SNAP funding continues, with the Trump administration seeking to prioritize other programs over providing essential food assistance to those in need.
