A federal judge has issued a temporary halt preventing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from conditioning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding on compliance with the Trump administration's anti-DEI policies.
The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 20 states, led by California and Massachusetts, challenging provisions that tie food aid to opposition to "gender ideology" and cooperation with immigration enforcement.
The lawsuit argues that the USDA's requirements overstep federal authority and could deprive millions of low-income residents of essential nutrition assistance. The states contend that the conditions are politically motivated and unrelated to the core mission of SNAP, which is to alleviate hunger and improve food security.
Judge's order temporarily blocks the USDA from enforcing these provisions while the legal challenge proceeds. The decision is seen as a significant victory for advocates who argue that food assistance should not be used as a tool for ideological or immigration enforcement purposes.
The USDA has not yet commented on the ruling. The case is expected to continue in federal court, with potential implications for SNAP recipients nationwide.