Kris Mayes lauds federal judge’s ruling that Trump admin must fully fund SNAP benefits in November

PHOENIX — A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, a decision welcomed by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.

U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of Rhode Island issued the ruling in response to a lawsuit challenging the administration’s shifting stance on SNAP payments.

According to the Associated Press, the administration had changed its position several times — first saying no payments would be made, then offering partial coverage from emergency funds, later committing to 50%, and most recently pledging 65%.

Trump admin ordered to fully fund November SNAP benefits: Arizona impact

Mayes, who has been fighting to protect Arizonans’ access to SNAP, praised the decision and is continuing to push for full funding through Arizona’s own legal challenge, according to Richie Taylor, the communications director of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

“Earlier today, the attorney general filed a new brief in Arizona’s case (which is separate from the Rhode Island case),” Taylor told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

“The filing asks the court to compel the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP using all available contingency funds to help the millions of Americans — and nearly 900,000 Arizonans — who are going hungry because of Donald Trump’s despicable political games,” he added.

Kris Mayes fighting to protect SNAP benefits for Arizonans

The same day as the Rhode Island ruling, Mayes and a coalition of 25 states filed a response opposing the federal government’s plan to only partially fund November SNAP benefits.

The states argue that the federal government has both the resources and the legal obligation to provide full funding.

“Despite multiple court rulings, the Trump administration is holding SNAP funding hostage cruelly and illegally during the month of Thanksgiving,” Mayes said in a statement Thursday.

The lawsuit, which Arizona joined in October, seeks to restore full SNAP benefits nationwide. In Arizona alone, about 30,000 veterans rely on the program — and roughly 40% of the state’s SNAP funding goes toward feeding children.

“I’m proud to be fighting alongside 25 other states to help hundreds of thousands of Arizonans access their food benefits this month — including 25% of the kids in Arizona,” Mayes said.

If you are dealing with food insecurity or want to help those who are, the Arizona Food Bank Network website has a list of available resources, including a database of food banks, pantries and soup kitchens that serve people in need and accept donations. Additionally, donations can be made by texting “food” to 620620.

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