Dozens of States Sue Trump Administration Over Food Stamp Funding During Shutdown

A coalition of dozens of states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in a federal court, challenging its decision to withhold emergency funding for food stamps during the ongoing government shutdown. The lawsuit comes in response to a recent announcement by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it would not take extraordinary measures to provide assistance to low-income families struggling to access food.According to the lawsuit, the states argue that the USDA's decision to suspend funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, would exacerbate the already dire situation faced by many vulnerable individuals and families. With the government shutdown now entering its third week, many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, and the states claim that the Trump administration's inaction is only making matters worse.The USDA's decision to forgo emergency funding for SNAP was met with widespread criticism from advocates and lawmakers, who argue that the program provides vital support to millions of Americans. In a statement, a spokesperson for the USDA said that the agency was "committed to supporting low-income families" but claimed that the current funding situation made it impossible to provide additional assistance.However, the states taking part in the lawsuit disagree, arguing that the USDA has the authority to provide emergency funding to support SNAP recipients during times of crisis. They claim that the agency's decision is not only unlawful but also cruel, given the dire circumstances faced by many families.The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the battle between the Trump administration and the states over the government shutdown, which was triggered by a dispute over funding for a border wall. As the shutdown continues, many Americans are feeling the pinch, and the states are hoping that the courts will intervene to provide relief to those struggling to access basic necessities like food.