📰BREAKING: Judge Blocks Suspension of SNAP Benefits | Will it hold? October 31, 2025, As of 2:05 PM a federal judge in Rhode Island has blocked the Trump administration from "ceasing to pay" SNAP

📰BREAKING: Judge Blocks Suspension of SNAP Benefits | Will it hold?

UPDATE 6:00 PM - The Trump Administration has stated that it is willing to comply with the order from the federal judge in Rhode Island, but has requested clarification on the ruling and additional documentation. A timeline is unclear at this point.

UPDATE 3:35 PM - A 2nd federal judge out of Boston has deemed the Trump Administration's suspension of SNAP benefits "unlawful"; U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled in what was submitted as a written opinion that the USDA has to pay for SNAP, calling the suspension “unlawful".

October 31, 2025, As of 2:05 PM a federal judge in Rhode Island has blocked the Trump administration from "ceasing to pay" SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

Based on previous actions with issues and courts ruling against the administration, President Trump and his team will most likely appeal the decision to the circuit court.

If accepted by the circuit court, the court could rule a "stay" (in favor of President Trump), or could rule in favor of the judge's decision from Rhode Island which would allow for the continuation of SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans.

As of now, there has been no comment from the White House.

As nearly 12.5 percent of Maine's population receive SNAP benefits (170,000 people), we will continue to monitor this closely and updated as information is provided.