Trump Administration Blocked From Stealing SNAP Benefits

NEW YORK – The Trump administration’s latest attempt to inflict hardship on millions of Americans hit a legal wall today, as New York Attorney General Letitia James secured an emergency court order blocking their brazen effort to claw back Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This isn’t about policy; it’s about deliberately punishing those who rely on food assistance, and James is fighting back.

The chaos unfolded over the weekend. After a federal court ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release full SNAP benefits following a prior funding dispute, the administration seemingly complied, prompting states like New York to begin distributing the aid. But then, late Saturday night – at 10 p.m., to be exact – USDA issued a memo reversing course, baselessly claiming any release of full benefits was “unauthorized.” They threatened to financially penalize states that didn’t comply, potentially withholding essential administrative funding. It’s a tactic straight from the playbook of intimidation.

Attorney General James, alongside 24 other attorneys general and governors, immediately fired back, filing an emergency motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) late last night. “The Trump administration has been relentless in its effort to keep food off of Americans’ plates, but once again a court has stepped in to stop them,” James stated bluntly. “This order ensures that families can keep the food assistance they need and that states won’t be punished for doing their jobs.”

This isn’t an isolated incident. James and the coalition initially sued the federal government on October 28 for withholding November SNAP benefits during the shutdown. A court ruled in their favor on October 31, mandating USDA use contingency funds. A second judge ordered full release on November 6, only for the administration to appeal and obtain a temporary stay from the Supreme Court. The back-and-forth demonstrates a calculated effort to create confusion and disrupt a vital lifeline for vulnerable families.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit dealt another blow to the administration Sunday, denying their request for a stay pending appeal. Today’s partially granted TRO, issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, halts the Saturday night directive and sets the stage for a full hearing. As of yesterday, November 9, New Yorkers began seeing those November SNAP benefits hit their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. James is adamant: those benefits can, and should, be used.

“If you have your benefits, use them,” James stated, directly addressing SNAP recipients. She also reminded New York retailers participating in the program that they are legally obligated to accept benefits with sufficient balances. Any New Yorker wrongfully denied usage of their EBT card is urged to remind the retailer of their rights. This fight isn’t over, but today, Attorney General James delivered a crucial win for those struggling to put food on the table – a win bought with legal muscle against a government determined to cause harm.

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