Applaud Judges Protecting Food Assistance for Millions

In a major victory for compassion and common sense, federal judges have stepped in to stop Donald Trump’s administration from cutting off food assistance to millions of Americans during the ongoing government shutdown.

Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island issued an emergency order blocking Trump’s plan to halt the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the nation’s largest food aid program that helps more than 40 million people put food on the table. His ruling requires the Department of Agriculture to immediately use its $5.25 billion emergency fund to keep benefits flowing.

Judge McConnell made it clear: the administration’s refusal to fund SNAP during the shutdown was unlawful, unprecedented, and cruel. As he stated, “SNAP benefits have never, until now, been terminated,” and the government itself has admitted those funds were meant to prevent exactly this kind of crisis.

This decision — along with similar action expected from Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts — ensures that children, seniors, veterans, and struggling families won’t go hungry while Washington gridlock drags on. It’s a reminder that the courts still stand as a safeguard against political cruelty and chaos.

Add your name to applaud these judges for protecting food security, defending the rule of law, and standing up for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP to survive.