Federal Judge Blocks Changes to SNAP Funding Requirements

A federal judge has ruled in favor of 20 Democratic states, stopping the Trump administration’s push to impose new conditions on state access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun provided a preliminary injunction, opposing the conditions tied to gender ideology, immigration, and fair athletic opportunities for women and girls. A detailed memorandum explaining the decision will follow.

The opposing states argue that these conditions place unlawful barriers on programs Congress designed, endangering essential nutrition support, agricultural research, and the safety of the nation’s food supply. Lawyers representing the government have argued that the new requirements would enhance fiscal responsibility, reinforce the Department of Agriculture’s financial oversight, and ensure compliance with federal laws and policies.

SNAP remains a key component of the U.S. social safety net, assisting approximately 39 million Americans in acquiring groceries. A decrease in beneficiaries by about 4.3 million was observed from January 2025 to January 2026 based on preliminary data from the Agriculture Department. Experts attribute this decline largely to new mandates introduced under a recent major tax and spending cut bill supported by Republicans.