California, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the decision to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. The lawsuit, announced on Tuesday, is supported by over 20 other states and claims that the administration’s refusal to fund SNAP is unlawful.
According to Governor Newsom’s office, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has sufficient funds to continue SNAP benefits through November, yet has chosen to suspend them. This suspension affects 5.5 million Californians, causing them to lose access to $1.1 billion in food assistance.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, co-leading the lawsuit, argues that the USDA’s actions are arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act. Bonta emphasized that the USDA has a legal duty to use available contingency funds to provide SNAP benefits, which are crucial for low-income families, veterans, and vulnerable populations.
The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to compel the USDA to release the funds and prevent further harm to millions of Americans. As reported by NewsNation, the legal action highlights the administration’s failure to utilize contingency funds meant for situations like the current shutdown.
Governor Newsom has also taken measures to mitigate the impact of the suspension by fast-tracking $80 million in state funds to support food banks and deploying the California National Guard to assist in food distribution efforts. The lawsuit is filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and the coalition of states is pushing for an immediate resolution to restore SNAP benefits.
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