A federal judge in Rhode Island on Friday praised President Donald Trump’s “quick and definitive response” to a ruling concerning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, calling the action “greatly appreciated.” In a footnote, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. commended Trump for ensuring the timely distribution of funding, noting that his response helped protect millions of Americans who rely on the program. “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. Approximately 42 million Americans, about one in eight, use SNAP each month, and advocates warned that any disruption in benefits could have serious consequences for families dependent on the program.

McConnell, an Obama appointee, ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deliver full SNAP benefits for November by the end of Monday, November 3, or partial payments no later than Wednesday, November 5. The judge stressed that congressionally approved contingency funds must be used due to the government shutdown, citing guidance from Trump’s first term allowing the use of such funds if SNAP lapses. Funding ran out on November 1 because of the Democrat-led shutdown, and it remains unclear whether the administration will seek clarification or appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, in Boston, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani also ruled that USDA must continue issuing SNAP payments, calling any suspension of benefits “unlawful.” These rulings aim to protect families who rely on government aid while the political standoff continues.

Pollster Matt Towery said on Fox News that Democrats’ attempt to use the SNAP funding lapse to spark outrage is backfiring. Appearing on The Ingraham Angle, Towery argued that the public is beginning to resent the politicization of the program, noting that younger Americans entering the workforce are rethinking their views on government assistance. “There’s a slow shift. You won’t see it from the legacy pollsters, and you won’t hear from the legacy media. But the country is beginning to shift,” Towery said. He added that the judicial interventions preventing benefit interruptions may undermine Democrats’ strategy while reinforcing broader public support for feeding vulnerable Americans, highlighting the complex political and social dynamics surrounding the ongoing government shutdown.