AG James Blocks Trump’s SNAP Cut in NY

New York – In a major victory for New Yorkers struggling with food insecurity, Attorney General Letitia James has successfully defended the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from the Trump administration’s proposed cuts. On November 10, 2025, a federal judge granted a full temporary restraining order (TRO), blocking the implementation of a directive that would have forced states to rescind November’s full SNAP benefits.

In a scathing rebuke of the federal government’s approach to hunger relief, Attorney General James declared, ‘It should not take a court order to know that feeding kids is the right thing to do, yet the federal government continues its cruel effort to cut off food assistance. Anyone who seeks to punish others for feeding families is not on the right side of history.’

The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Attorney General James and 25 other state officials against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). On October 28, they sought to protect the November SNAP benefits from a USDA memo that ordered states to ‘immediately undo’ the distribution of full benefits and threatened punishment for non-compliance.

Attorney General James, echoing the sentiments of many, argued that the administration’s actions were an affront to the fundamental right to adequate nutrition. ‘The courts have once again shut down this administration’s pro-hunger crusade,’ she said, expressing relief at the ruling.

The temporary restraining order comes as a crucial reprieve for New Yorkers reliant on SNAP benefits, who now face uncertainty about their ability to feed their families during these challenging times. The case continues to raise questions about the federal government’s role in addressing food insecurity and the broader implications of its policies on state-level social welfare programs.

As the legal battle unfolds, New Yorkers are hopeful that this ruling will serve as a precedent for protecting vital social services from arbitrary federal mandates aimed at cutting corners at the expense of vulnerable populations.

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