NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two federal judges on Friday ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture must continue issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments during the federal government shutdown, instructing the Trump administration to draw from reserve funds to keep the program operating.
The rulings, issued almost simultaneously in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, require the government to access contingency accounts to prevent a lapse in benefits for millions of Americans. Both courts said the administration has the authority and obligation to use available funds until Congress restores regular appropriations.
Federal officials had planned to pause payments beginning Nov. 1, citing uncertainty over whether reserve funds could be used during the shutdown. The new orders make clear that the funds are available and must be deployed to maintain the program.
President Donald J. Trump responded Friday on Truth Social, saying he did not want Americans “to go hungry just because the Radical Democrats refuse to do the right thing and reopen the government.” He said administration lawyers had received conflicting opinions about which accounts could legally be used and that he had directed them to seek clarification from the courts before disbursing funds.
Trump added that once the legal process is settled, it would be his “honor” to authorize the payments.
While the rulings guarantee that benefits will resume, the process of loading funds to state systems will cause delays. Many states distribute payments early in the month, and officials said November deposits may not appear for several days.
In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee launched FeedTN.org earlier this week to connect families with food banks, churches, and nonprofits while federal benefits are disrupted. About 700,000 Tennesseans rely on SNAP each month, and state agencies have coordinated with community partners to help fill short-term gaps.
The administration has until Monday to inform both courts how it plans to carry out the rulings. Officials have not indicated whether the Department of Justice will appeal.
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