Two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must continue funding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, despite a government shutdown triggered by congressional gridlock. The decision comes as the program faced potential termination on November 1 due to expired funding, leaving 42 million Americans at risk of losing critical food assistance.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued an emergency order requiring the administration to resume SNAP payments, stating plaintiffs in a lawsuit were likely to succeed in claiming the suspension of benefits was unlawful. She directed the government to provide details on funding plans by November 3. Shortly after, U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island also ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to sustain SNAP benefits “as soon as possible” next month.

The rulings came hours before the U.S. Department of Agriculture was set to halt payments, which require $8.6 billion monthly to support 41 million recipients. Critics highlighted that Congress’ $6 billion emergency fund is insufficient to cover even a single month of SNAP costs, raising questions about the feasibility of sustaining the program without renewed appropriations.

The decisions mark a significant legal challenge for the Trump administration, as judges mandated funding continuation despite the ongoing shutdown. The case underscores the escalating tensions between federal agencies and lawmakers over fiscal priorities amid political deadlock.