January 1, Judge Forces Trump Team to Fund Food Aid

Wyatt’s Take

• A judge has ordered emergency funds used for food stamp benefits during the shutdown.
• The $5.25 billion emergency fund won’t cover all assistance needed.
• Officials argue it’s never been handled this way before.

A federal judge told the Trump administration to use emergency cash for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program while the government is shut down. November SNAP benefits weren’t funded, putting support for about 40 million Americans at risk.

Judge John McConnell stopped the administration from cutting off food help, telling them to spend the leftover $5.25 billion to keep checks coming. That amount won’t fully cover the over $9 billion needed for November, but the judge demanded the Agriculture Department act fast and report back by Monday.

“SNAP benefits have never, until now, been terminated,” McConnell said.

The administration argued the emergency fund was only for disasters. Their filings stated, “Such a partial payment has never been made — and for good reason.” They also warned it would be complicated for states to calculate new payments if only part of the money is available.

Still, the judge said the money should be released and SNAP should not stop. The battle now heads back to court for updates.

The issue shows how Washington fights can hit home, especially for folks relying on food help. These people want certainty when paychecks stop, not legal arguments. Emergency funds are meant for exactly these moments, even if officials complain about new paperwork.

Wyatt Matters

No family should worry about food on the table when leaders in DC can’t agree. Heartland America deserves better than being used as bargaining chips in Washington shutdowns.

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