A federal judge has temporarily halted efforts by the Trump administration to impose new conditions on states seeking funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The decision came after 20 Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit challenging these conditions, which include stipulations related to ‘gender ideology,’ ‘immigration,’ and ‘fair athletic opportunities’ for women and girls.

Legal Challenge and Preliminary Injunction

U.S. District Judge Myong Joun granted a preliminary injunction, effectively pausing the implementation of these conditions while the case proceeds. The judge stated that a detailed memorandum explaining the decision would be released at a later date. The states involved in the lawsuit argue that the new requirements are unconstitutional and create unnecessary barriers between federally created programs and the states that depend on them. They claim these conditions threaten essential nutrition support, agricultural research, and the safety of the national food chain.

Government’s Position

In response, government lawyers opposed the injunction, arguing that the new requirements would ensure better stewardship of taxpayer dollars and enhance the USDA’s oversight of funds. They also emphasized the importance of compliance with federal laws and policies by grant recipients.

Impact on SNAP Beneficiaries

SNAP, a significant component of welfare programs in the U.S., assists approximately 39 million Americans, or about 1 in 9 people, in purchasing groceries. Recent data from the Agriculture Department indicates a decrease of nearly 4.3 million beneficiaries from January 2025 to January 2026. Experts attribute this decline primarily to new requirements introduced by a tax and spending cut bill pushed through Congress by Republicans last summer.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.