Two courts, one in Rhode Island and another in Boston, have issued rulings against the Marie “Let Them Starve” Trump Billionaires First and Everyone Else can go to Hell regime.
In the Rhode Island ruling, U.S. District Judge John McConnell told the United States Department of Agriculture to use contingency funds to fund the food assistance SNAP program for November, saying:
“There is no doubt and it is beyond argument that irreparable harm will begin to occur if it hasn’t already occurred in the terror it has caused some people about the availability of funding for food, for their family.”
According to reporting from Reuters, Judge McConnell also ruled that if the contingency funding was not sufficient to fully fund the program, they should consider tapping into another available $23 billion funding source.
In Boston, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled that the Trump Regimes refusal to tap into the contingency funds for SNAP was “based on the erroneous conclusion that the contingency funds could not be used to ensure continuation of SNAP payments.”
According to reporting from MSNBC, Mr. Trump may be caving to the judges ruling, trying to save face by asking for legal guidance on appropriating the funds.
It could be a stall tactic but it is indisputable that many MAGA base voters, who deluded themselves into believing Trump and Republicans were on their side, rely on SNAP to put food on the table and make ends meet.
MAGA Republicans may not want to alienate a base that is crucial to their electoral futures.
Unfortunately, these rulings may not prevent people being able to access their benefits for a couple of days while the government follows the courts orders.
Reacting to the twin victories from the lawsuit she helped craft with leaders from 25 other states, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes wrote in a press release:
“In the lawsuit I filed to protect SNAP for 900,000 Arizonans — including 1 in 4 Arizona kids— the court ruled the Trump administration acted illegally by trying to cut off access to food benefits even though there are emergency funds available. USDA must come up with a plan to pay benefits by Monday. We’ll keep fighting to protect Arizonans.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs congratulated Mayes on her legal efforts, posting:
“I applaud @AZAGMayes for fighting to protect Arizonans. It’s time for President Trump to stop using Arizona veterans, seniors and children as political leverage by illegally withholding food assistance. I will be closely monitoring the administration’s response. My office is continuing to develop creative options and doing everything we can to mitigate the damage done if @USDA continues withholding billions in relief for Arizona’s families.”
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes issued a press release, offering:
Today’s court ruling requiring the federal government to use contingency funds to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is encouraging.
“However, we must be realistic: even with the court’s order, there is no guarantee that every eligible Arizona family will receive full benefits without interruption while funding is restored, legal processes play out, or appeals are filed. The law, implementation steps, and administrative logistics may still cause delays or gaps.
That is why my office, in partnership with Local First Arizona, remains committed to mobilizing community-level support now. Together, we are launching a statewide directory of Arizona small businesses that are stepping up to help neighbors facing food-assistance disruptions. These businesses are offering free or discounted meals, donation-match programs, and other forms of support.
To all Arizonans worried about food security: you are not alone. To Arizona businesses ready to help your neighbors: your leadership matters. Visit azsos.gov to find participating businesses or to sign up your own offer.
Together, we will make sure our communities are supported while federal systems catch up.”
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, in a visit to St. Mary’s Food Bank, echoed Fonte’s, writing:
“This morning, I joined Valley leaders at St Mary’s Food Bank to outline the urgent need to help the 900,000 Arizonans who rely on the federal food benefits. We’re facing a potential crisis—here’s how you can help: http://phoenix.gov/foodhelp“
Arizona Senate Democrats released this post on where to find food assistance.
Arizona Democratic House Leader Oscar De Los Santos also praised the court rulings, conveying:
AZ House Democrats sent a letter demanding the Trump administration immediately use its contingency funding for SNAP. A federal court just ruled that we’re 100% correct and has ordered Trump to do exactly that. Thank you @AZAGMayes for suing to get this done!
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly reacted to the favorable rulings by posting:
This is good news. Trump should never have tried to use hardworking Americans as pawns by withholding critical SNAP benefits. It was wrong and illegal, and the courts agree.
Senator Ruben Gallego wrote:
“Good. Trump’s decision to withhold SNAP funding and let millions go hungry isn’t just shameless. It’s illegal.”
While there may be a resolution for millions dependent on SNAP, there is still a brewing health care crisis thanks to Trump and Project 2025 MAGA Republicans.
Arizona Representative Greg Stanton posted:
Stanton also posted this Halloween message from Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett which would be amusing if it were not for the suffering people have to endure thanks to Trump’s draconian and cruel social policy destructive policies like the Big Billionaires First Bill.
Then there is Representative-Elect Adelita Grijalva who still has not been sworn in by pedophile protecting Mike Johnson who called out Republicans hiding away and skirting their responsibilities to the people, posting:
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