The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal on Friday after a federal judge ruled that they must distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This move marks a significant reversal, especially after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously stated that the administration would not appeal the court order to distribute SNAP benefits.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) argued in their appeal that the ruling “has thrust the Judiciary into the ongoing shutdown negotiations and may well have the effect of extending the lapse in appropriations, exacerbating the problem that the court was misguidedly trying to mitigate.” The DOJ further emphasized, “There is no lawful basis for an order that directs USDA to somehow find $4 billion in the metaphorical couch cushions.”
Highlighting the administration’s funding priorities, the DOJ noted, “We found $20 billion to give to Argentina.” Additionally, Trump’s tariffs have generated over $200 billion in revenue for the federal government. While the federal government has the resources to fund SNAP benefits, critics contend it is choosing to play politics instead of helping American families in need.
According to CNN, the DOJ also argued that the judge’s order “makes a mockery of the separation of powers,” a claim that has been met with skepticism, given the numerous actions by the Trump administration that many view as undermining this fundamental principle. The sudden concern about the process appears inconsistent to some observers.
Vice President J.D. Vance criticized the ruling during a White House event on Thursday, saying, “In the midst of a shutdown, we can’t have a federal court telling the president how he has to triage the situation.” However, critics point out that a federal judge would not need to intervene if the president took initiative of his own accord.
Last month, the federal government shut down after Senate Democrats refused to vote on a short-term spending bill unless it extended COVID-era subsidies for insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The shutdown’s effects have been felt nationwide, but low-income families have borne the brunt.
As a result of the shutdown, funding lapsed for several critical social safety net programs, including SNAP, Head Start, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Whether it’s providing affordable health care or ensuring children in low-income families don’t face hunger, critics argue that the GOP’s handling of the shutdown reflects a troubling disregard for the average American.
For Democrats, this situation presents a ready-made narrative heading into the 2026 midterms — one focused on protecting vulnerable families and opposing what they see as harmful government shutdown tactics.
**SEE ALSO:**
– Government Says It Will Only Pay SNAP Recipients Half Their Benefits For November, Defying Judges’ Orders
– Judges Rule Trump Administration Must Continue To Fund SNAP
– SNAP Suspension Puts Families, Children, Child Care At Risk
– Drama Surrounding SNAP Benefits Should Mark The End Of MAGA
– If SNAP Benefits Get Cut Off, White Grievance Will Eat Itself
https://newsone.com/6593877/trump-admin-appeals-order-pay-snap-benefits-full/