Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is leading a multistate effort to block the Trump Administration’s latest directive on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which assist more than 42 million Americans. Campbell, along with 22 attorneys general and three governors, filed a motion for a temporary restraining order in the ongoing lawsuit against the administration. The group seeks to prevent changes that could halt or reduce full SNAP benefit distributions already approved by several states, as per the Office of the Attorney General release.
The action follows a Rhode Island court ruling requiring the USDA to allow states to provide full SNAP benefits. Although the USDA initially complied, it later reversed its position after discussions with the Supreme Court. States are now working to meet both the court’s order and the new federal directive, which could affect previously allocated funds.
The revised USDA directive surprised many states that had already begun issuing full SNAP benefits. The agency’s reversal, coming shortly after confirming its compliance with the court order, prompted an immediate legal response from state officials seeking to maintain food assistance for residents.
The coalition’s motion argues that the USDA’s shifting guidance creates significant administrative and financial challenges. The states are asking the court to block the November 8 directive, which would require them to retroactively undo SNAP benefit distributions. The legal effort includes support from a wide range of states and governors, including those from California, New York, Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
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