In a surprising twist during the ongoing government shutdown, a federal judge in Rhode Island publicly commended former President Donald Trump for what he called a “quick and decisive” intervention to secure funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — commonly known as food stamps.
The praise came from U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who issued a written order on Friday highlighting Trump’s rapid response to a court directive. Millions of low-income families had been left uncertain about how they would afford groceries as federal agencies warned SNAP funding could run out without immediate executive action.
“The court greatly appreciates the president’s quick and definitive response to this court’s order and his desire to provide the necessary SNAP funding,” McConnell wrote in his ruling.
SNAP supports over 42 million Americans, helping them put food on the table each month. A lapse in funding would have meant a nationwide food crisis overnight. Judge McConnell ordered the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure benefits were distributed no later than November 3, using contingency funds approved by Congress for emergencies like this.
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