Title: Judge Orders Trump Administration to Deliver Full SNAP Benefits by Friday In an unprecedented move, U.S. District Judge John McConnell has ordered the Trump administration to deliver full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to states by this coming Friday. This decision comes after two weeks of chaos and confusion surrounding the fate of SNAP during the government shutdown. The judge’s ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward, a progressive legal advocacy group that accused the Department of Agriculture of arbitrary actions in withholding SNAP funding while the federal government remained closed. The Trump administration had initially agreed to partially fund the program using contingency funds, covering about 65% of benefits for eligible households. However, they declined to draw from additional child nutrition program funds and stated that it would take several weeks to deliver these partial payments. This led Democracy Forward to file an emergency request with Judge McConnell, asking him to expedite the delivery of SNAP benefits or grant additional relief. At a hearing on Thursday, the Trump administration argued that states were responsible for not distributing the funds and claimed they had complied with the judge’s order by releasing partial benefits to states earlier this week. However, Judge McConnell disagreed, stating that the administration “did nothing to ensure” SNAP benefits would be delivered promptly. This ruling marks a significant victory for advocacy groups like Democracy Forward who have been fighting against what they perceive as arbitrary actions by the Trump administration in relation to social welfare programs. It also highlights the potential implications of government shutdowns on vulnerable populations, such as those relying on SNAP benefits for basic necessities. From a historical perspective, this case underscores ongoing debates about federal funding and responsibility for state-level distribution of aid programs like SNAP. As we move forward in an increasingly polarized political climate, it will be interesting to see how future administrations handle similar situations and whether they can avoid the pitfalls that led to this legal battle. In conclusion, Judge McConnell’s order serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring timely delivery of essential services like SNAP benefits during times of political uncertainty. It also underscores the need for clear communication between federal agencies and state governments when implementing such programs. As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, it is crucial that all stakeholders work together to provide much-needed support to those who rely on these vital resources.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-orders-trump-administration-deliver-full-snap-benefits-rcna242446)
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