A federal judge has mandated that the Trump administration must ensure full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November, with the deadline set for Friday.

Judge John J. McConnell Jr. emphasized the urgency, stating, “Delaying these payments any further is simply intolerable, as people have been deprived of necessary aid for far too long.”

In a strong critique, Judge McConnell accused President Donald Trump of deliberately disregarding a court directive, referring to Trump’s earlier declaration that SNAP would remain unfunded until the government resumes operations.

The judge pointed out, “President Trump made it clear he intended to ignore the court’s mandate, announcing, ‘SNAP payments will only be disbursed once the government is back in session.'”

Following Trump’s remarks, the White House maintained that it was adhering to the court’s requirements.

Judge McConnell further condemned the administration for issuing only a partial payment, despite having access to emergency funds, and failing to meet the court’s compliance timeline.

“Without SNAP funding for the month of November, 16 million children are immediately at risk of going hungry,” said Judge McConnell. “Children are immediately at risk of going hungry. This should never happen in America.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.