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Trump threatens US military action in Nigeria over treatment of christians

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Trump threatens US military action in Nigeria over treatment of christians

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump threatened Saturday to deploy American military forces to Nigeria with “guns-a-blazing” if the West African nation fails to address what he characterized as the systematic killing of Christians by Islamist groups.

In an incendiary post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he has directed the Pentagon to develop potential attack plans, escalating rhetoric he initiated a day earlier when he warned that Christianity faces “an existential threat in Nigeria.” The Republican president, who unsuccessfully sought the Nobel Peace Prize during campaign season, issued stark warnings about potential military intervention in Africa’s most populous country.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote in his Saturday statement.

The president added that he has instructed what he termed “our Department of War” to prepare for possible military operations. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians,” Trump stated, concluding with an explicit warning to Nigerian leadership to act quickly.

The threats represent a dramatic escalation in Trump’s posture toward Nigeria, where complex security challenges have resulted in violence affecting both Christian and Muslim populations, according to regional experts. Nigeria faces multiple ongoing conflicts that analysts say do not target religious groups exclusively.

On Friday, Trump announced he was designating Nigeria as “a country of particular concern” regarding religious freedom, claiming without providing evidence that “thousands of Christians are being killed” and asserting that “Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” He said he would task several lawmakers with investigating the situation and reporting their findings to him.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump declared Friday. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”

Nigeria’s government has rejected assertions that Christians are being specifically targeted in the nation’s security crises. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Saturday responding to Trump’s designation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating violent extremism while celebrating the nation’s religious and ethnic diversity.

“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength,” the ministry stated. “Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.”

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu

The ministry affirmed that Nigeria remains “committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism” affecting the country.

Allegations of Christian persecution have gained traction among some groups within Nigeria, where deep-seated ethnic, religious and regional divisions have historically sparked deadly violence and continue to influence the nation’s contemporary political landscape. Nigeria’s population is roughly evenly split between a predominantly Muslim northern region and a largely Christian southern region.

Trump previously designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern during his first presidential term, though that classification was reversed under former President Joe Biden’s administration. The renewed designation and accompanying military threats mark a return to Trump’s earlier hardline approach toward the Nigerian government on religious freedom issues.

The president’s latest statements raise questions about potential shifts in United States policy toward Africa and the administration’s willingness to consider military intervention in response to perceived religious persecution abroad.

2 United Airlines planes collide at LaGuardia Airport, Chicago, amid shutdown-induced staffing chaos

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2 United Airlines planes collide at LaGuardia Airport, Chicago, amid shutdown-induced staffing chaos

Two United Airlines planes collided Friday evening on the tarmac at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, capping off a day of widespread flight delays and cancellations caused by severe staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown.

A United Airlines jet arriving from Chicago struck the tail of another United aircraft preparing for departure to Houston, the airline confirmed. No injuries were reported, and both planes returned to the gate where passengers safely disembarked. United said it is working to rebook affected travelers.

Passengers on board the arriving flight described feeling a sudden “bump” before learning they had hit another aircraft. “We all felt a bump during taxi to the runway but didn’t know it was another plane until the captain said it was,” one traveler told the New York Post.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey referred all inquiries to United Airlines, which is cooperating with investigators.

LaGuardia was among several major airports across the country facing extensive disruptions on Friday due to unpaid FAA and TSA employees amid the shutdown. Data from FlightAware showed more than 570 flight delays and 130 cancellations at LaGuardia alone.

New York City’s three main airports—LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark—were under ground delays and wind alerts throughout the day, worsening the gridlock. The FAA reported that nearly half of its key facilities are experiencing staffing shortages, with almost 80% of air traffic controllers in the New York area absent.

“After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are under immense stress and fatigue,” the FAA said in a statement, calling for an end to the shutdown to restore safety and efficiency to the skies.

Nationwide, more than 5,700 flights were delayed and nearly 500 canceled by Friday evening, marking one of the most chaotic travel days since the shutdown began.

Source: independent.co

Ukraine claims strike on key fuel pipeline supplying Russian Forces near Moscow

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Ukraine claims strike on key fuel pipeline supplying Russian Forces near Moscow

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said Saturday that its forces struck a major fuel pipeline near Moscow that provides gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to the Russian army, calling the operation a “serious blow” to Russia’s military logistics.

The strike, carried out late Friday, targeted the Koltsevoy pipeline near the Ramensky district of the Moscow region, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) said on Telegram. The 400-kilometer (250-mile) pipeline connects refineries in Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod, and Moscow, supplying millions of tons of fuel annually to Russian forces.

HUR said the operation destroyed all three lines of the pipeline, which was capable of transporting up to 3 million tons of jet fuel, 2.8 million tons of diesel, and 1.6 million tons of gasoline each year. “Our strikes have had more impact than sanctions,” said HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov, referring to international sanctions on Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The attack marked one of the most significant Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure in recent months and came amid Moscow’s continued wave of drone and missile assaults on Ukraine’s energy grid. Ukrainian officials described the strike as part of a broader effort to undermine Russia’s logistical capacity to sustain its war effort.

Meanwhile, on the eastern front, Russia claimed advances in the heavily contested city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk province. The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had defeated a Ukrainian special forces unit sent to reinforce the city and later released videos allegedly showing two captured Ukrainian soldiers. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.

Ukrainian officials denied Russia’s claims of encirclement, insisting that their troops continue to hold defensive positions and conduct counterattacks. “A comprehensive operation to destroy and push out enemy forces from Pokrovsk is ongoing,” said Ukraine’s army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. “The situation remains the hardest for our forces, but there is no blockade.”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged on Friday that Russian units had entered parts of Pokrovsk but said Ukraine’s forces were actively fighting to expel them. He estimated that Russia had deployed about 170,000 troops in Donetsk as part of its latest offensive.

As fighting raged in the east, Russia continued its overnight bombardment across Ukraine. A ballistic missile strike on the southern Mykolaiv region killed one person and injured 19 others, including a 9-year-old girl, local officials said. Another strike ignited a fire at a gas plant in the central Poltava region, while drone and missile attacks damaged energy facilities in multiple regions, leading to power outages.

Ukraine’s air force reported that it shot down 206 of the 223 drones launched overnight, though 17 managed to hit targets in seven regions. In Russia, officials said they intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones, including six approaching Moscow, while a large-scale blackout affected the city of Zhukovsky, southeast of the capital. Local authorities blamed the outage on an “automatic equipment shutdown.”

The latest wave of strikes underscored the intensifying cross-border assaults between the two nations as winter approaches, with Ukraine aiming to disrupt Russian supply lines and Russia seeking to cripple Ukraine’s energy system.

Deputy fatally shoots 13-year-old boy wanted for grandmother’s murder in North Carolina

Simeon Bateren
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Deputy fatally shoots 13-year-old boy wanted for grandmother’s murder in North Carolina

RAEFORD, N.C. (BN24) — A North Carolina deputy fatally shot a 13-year-old boy Thursday after the teenager, who was wanted in the killing of his grandmother, charged toward the officer holding a piece of lumber, authorities said.

The shooting took place in the Cameron area of Lee County, roughly 90 miles southwest of Raleigh. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies had been alerted about the homicide of 68-year-old Connie Linen, whose body was discovered inside her home in Raeford earlier that day. Authorities have not disclosed details about how Linen was killed, but they confirmed that she was a victim of homicide. Deputies initially responded to the home for a well-being check before discovering her body.

Detectives quickly identified the victim’s grandson as a suspect, and authorities issued a murder charge against him for first-degree murder. The boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, was later located behind an abandoned mobile home in the Cameron area.

When deputies approached the suspect, he fled on foot. During the pursuit, the teenager grabbed a two-by-four piece of lumber from a nearby yard and charged toward a sheriff’s deputy. The deputy, fearing for his safety, fired his weapon, striking the teen. The boy was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office described the 13-year-old as approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. Sheriff Brian Estes of Lee County confirmed the incident and stated that the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) would be conducting a review of the deputy’s actions, which is standard procedure for law enforcement-involved shootings.

“This has been a tragic and emotional situation for everyone involved,” said Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil in a statement Friday. “We ask that our community come together with compassion and understanding as we all process this difficult event.”

As of now, the SBI has not released additional details regarding the investigation, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to further inquiries. The incident is drawing attention to the complexities and emotional toll of law enforcement interactions, particularly when involving juveniles.

The fatal shooting has raised concerns about the circumstances leading to the confrontation. The investigation into both the boy’s death and the ongoing homicide case continues, as authorities look for more information regarding the events leading up to the tragic outcome.

EPL Weekend Preview: Arsenal seek consistency, Tottenham and Chelsea set for North London clash

Simeon Bateren
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EPL Weekend Preview: Arsenal seek consistency, Tottenham and Chelsea set for North London clash

The Gunners have been in fine form, leading the league by four points, blending youthful energy with the experience of seasoned campaigners. Manager Mikel Arteta will be looking to maintain consistency across both attack and defense. Arsenal have lost only once in the league and conceded just three goals in nine matches.

North London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea are set to meet in a highly anticipated derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a match that could have major implications for the top half of the table. Spurs, buoyed by recent performances, will aim to assert dominance at home, while Chelsea seeks to regain form following a mixed start to the season.

Liverpool face an uphill battle as they travel to in-form Aston Villa, hoping to arrest a remarkable slump that has seen the Premier League champions lose four consecutive league games. Their woes were compounded by a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday, a match in which manager Arne Slot made 10 changes to protect key players ahead of a demanding fixture schedule, including clashes with Real Madrid and Manchester City.

“I don’t think it is possible if you lose six out of seven that there is even more pressure,” Slot said. “If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, you know the pressure is there.”

Five games into the Premier League campaign, Liverpool led Villa by 12 points, but four matches later, the sides met separated only by goal difference. Aston Villa have recovered from a difficult start with four straight wins, including notable victories against Tottenham and Manchester City, to surge back into contention for the Champions League spots.

Liverpool’s title defence has struggled in contrast. The Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet in 10 league games, with Slot still searching for the right balance following a significant squad overhaul in the summer transfer window. Despite a Premier League-record spending spree of nearly £450 million, Liverpool lost more key players than they acquired, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz among those missed. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said, “To see the champions lose four games in a row in the Premier League with the expenditure in the summer, I think we’re in a crisis time for Liverpool right now.”

The weekend fixtures promise a thrilling Premier League spectacle:

Saturday: Brighton vs. Leeds, Burnley vs. Arsenal, Crystal Palace vs. Brentford, Fulham vs. Wolves, Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester United, Tottenham vs. Chelsea, Liverpool vs. Aston Villa

Sunday: West Ham vs. Newcastle, Manchester City vs. Bournemouth

Monday: Sunderland vs. Everton

Fans can expect a weekend of intense competition as teams jostle for position in one of the most tightly contested EPL campaigns in recent memory.

UPDATE: Families in Rio de Janeiro have begun burying victims of the city’s deadliest gang raid

Simeon Bateren
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UPDATE: Families in Rio de Janeiro have begun burying victims of the city’s deadliest gang raid

RIO DE JANEIRO (BN24)— As families across Rio de Janeiro’s favelas begin to bury their dead, the city is left grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest gang raids in recent history. At least 132 people were killed, including four police officers, during Tuesday’s operation in Vila Cruzeiro, a neighborhood part of the sprawling Penha complex of communities. The raid, conducted by approximately 2,500 police officers and soldiers, targeted the notorious Red Command gang, but its brutal execution has left the local population in shock and mourning.

Grief-stricken residents of Vila Cruzeiro have expressed their anger and disbelief as they witness the aftermath of what they describe as a “warzone” encounter. “This wasn’t an operation; these were assassinations. They didn’t come to arrest; they came to kill,” said Monique Santiliano, a local nail salon owner whose voice trembled as she spoke. Her sentiment reflects the broader frustration of a community that believes the raid crossed the line from law enforcement action to state-sanctioned violence.

State officials, including Rio’s conservative governor, Claudio Castro, defended the operation, framing it as a necessary measure in the fight against “narco-terrorism.” Castro described the raid as a success in the battle against the powerful Red Command gang. Yet, human rights advocates, residents, and politicians have raised serious concerns, with some accusing the police of excessive force, torture, and extrajudicial killings.

Human Rights Minister Macaé Evaristo voiced her strong opposition to the narrative pushed by the state government. Speaking at a press conference in Penha, Evaristo emphasized that targeting gang leaders and financial backers is the key to dismantling organized crime. “There’s no point in coming into our communities and exposing children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to such terror,” she stated.

The raid, which also led to widespread gunfire and chaos across Rio, sparked a fierce debate about law enforcement tactics and the human cost of anti-gang operations. The state government claims that the 132 fatalities were the result of criminals resisting arrest, but this has been met with skepticism. Human rights organizations, as well as Brazil’s Supreme Court and lawmakers, have called for a full investigation into the operation.

On Thursday, as some of the dead were laid to rest, the community was left grappling with the devastating loss of loved ones. Family members described their pain at the brutality of the killings, with reports of bodies found decapitated, mutilated, or bound with signs of torture. Ana Tobossi, a local activist, decried the normalization of such violence. “If the country continues to applaud, it will happen elsewhere,” she warned.

At the same time, some residents voiced their concerns about the long-term impact on the community. “People from outside are going to see this going on in favelas and aren’t going to want to come anymore. It makes us look bad,” said Paulo Roberto, a 16-year-old street vendor who was left shaken by the events.

The operation’s goal was to weaken the Red Command gang’s influence in Rio’s favelas. Still, it has instead highlighted the growing tensions between law enforcement and the residents of these communities. While many question whether the raid will achieve lasting results, others are left wondering whether such actions are truly the solution to Brazil’s worsening gang violence.

As the bodies are buried and the pain lingers, the story of the deadly raid is far from over. Brazil’s Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing with the state governor and key law enforcement officials to address the growing calls for accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, the residents of Rio’s favelas, still reeling from the violence, continue to demand justice for those lost in this tragic chapter of the city’s ongoing gang war.

UPDATE: About 700 now killed in Tanzania election protests, opposition says

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UPDATE: About 700 now killed in Tanzania election protests, opposition says

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (BN24) — About 700 people have reportedly died following days of violent protests over Tanzania’s presidential election, the opposition Chadema party has claimed. The protests, which erupted on Wednesday, were sparked by widespread accusations that the ruling party had stifled opposition, particularly through the exclusion of key candidates from the presidential ballot.

John Kitoka, a spokesperson for Chadema, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the situation was dire, particularly in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, where the death toll was believed to be around 350 and 200, respectively. He warned that the true toll could be even higher due to killings that may have occurred during a government-imposed nighttime curfew.

“We believe the number could be closer to 700, possibly even 800 when including deaths across other regions,” Kitoka said, adding that party members had been collecting reports directly from hospitals and health clinics, counting bodies as they went. Amnesty International, however, reported a much lower toll of at least 100 deaths.

The violence followed intense protests on election day, where demonstrators voiced their anger over the exclusion of opposition leaders such as Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo from the race. Lissu, a former presidential candidate, was arrested earlier this year on charges of treason and cybercrimes, while Mpina, a key opposition figure, was also barred from contesting.

In response to the unrest, Tanzanian security forces launched a harsh crackdown on demonstrators. The country’s army chief, Gen. Jacob John Mkunda, condemned the protests, labeling demonstrators as “criminals” and vowing to restore order. Reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) indicate that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, with at least 10 confirmed deaths resulting from gunfire.

The protests, which were initially concentrated in Dar es Salaam, have since spread to other parts of the country, including Shinyanga in the northwest and Morogoro in the east. Internet access has been cut off nationwide, with global watchdog NetBlocks confirming the countrywide disruption.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the OHCHR, have condemned the use of force by the Tanzanian government. The OHCHR has called for security forces to refrain from using excessive force and urged protesters to remain peaceful. Human rights lawyer Tito Magoti also criticized the government’s handling of the protests, labeling the violence as “unjustified” and urging President Samia Suluhu Hassan to stop deploying police against her own people.

Suluhu, who assumed office following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in March 2021, was widely expected to consolidate power during this election cycle. However, the exclusion of prominent opposition figures has led to claims that the election was neither free nor fair.

Kitoka of Chadema reiterated his party’s call for a transitional government to oversee the election process, stressing the need for electoral justice. “We cannot vote for one candidate. The people have spoken,” he said, demanding that the government respect the will of the Tanzanian people and cease the violent repression of peaceful protests.

As the protests continue, Tanzania’s political future remains uncertain, with widespread fears that the government’s heavy-handed response will only fuel more unrest in the coming days.

Navy dismantles illegal refinery, arrests 7 in Ondo communities, in Nigerian

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Navy dismantles illegal refinery, arrests 7 in Ondo communities, in Nigerian

OBE-JEDO, Ondo State (BN24)— The Nigerian Navy has dismantled an illegal crude oil refinery in the Obe-Jedo and Obe-Adun communities of Ilaje Local Council, Ondo state, Nigeria, arresting seven people and seizing large quantities of stolen diesel and makeshift weapons, authorities said Friday.

Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, commander of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Igbokoda, said the operation was based on credible intelligence about economic sabotage and maritime crime. “Our team acted on verified information that crude oil theft and illegal refining activities were ongoing in these riverine communities,” Usman said.

During the raid, naval operatives recovered approximately 3,000 liters of refined diesel stored in jerrycans, along with several cooking ovens used to refine stolen crude oil. Officers also recovered machetes and locally made firearms believed to have been used to resist arrest.

Usman said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects initially arrested were secondary participants who have since been released. The main operators of the refinery remain at large and have been declared wanted.

The operation faced significant resistance. A group of hired youths and some women reportedly attempted to shield the illegal activities, forcing the Navy to withdraw temporarily to avoid escalation. “The team later returned in the early hours of the following day and discovered that stolen crude oil and refined products had been relocated to a nearby bakery and other makeshift storage facilities,” Usman said. “The illegal refinery was subsequently deactivated following directives from Defence Headquarters.”

Authorities said the illegal refining operations not only fuel economic sabotage but also pose environmental hazards. Crude oil theft and makeshift refining can cause oil spills, soil contamination, and damage to fishing resources critical to local livelihoods.

Captain Usman condemned the violent resistance as a “dangerous innovation” by criminal elements bent on frustrating security operations and sabotaging national resources. He said the operation aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff’s directive to prevent crude oil theft and protect Nigeria’s maritime and coastal assets.

“The Nigerian Navy urges law-abiding residents of riverine communities to resist being used by oil thieves,” Usman warned. “These criminal ventures benefit only a few individuals while destroying the livelihoods and ecosystems of entire communities.”

Authorities also cautioned that anyone obstructing Navy operations against crude oil theft would be treated as an accomplice and face prosecution under Nigerian law.

The Navy said it will continue intensified patrols and intelligence-led operations in the Niger Delta and other affected regions to dismantle illegal refineries and curb the theft of crude oil, a key national resource.

Trump declares Nigeria ‘country of particular concern’ over Christian genocide claims

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Trump declares Nigeria ‘country of particular concern’ over Christian genocide claims

WASHINGTON (BN24)— President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 31, 2025, that he has designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” (CPC) under U.S. religious-freedom law, asserting that Christians in Nigeria face an existential threat from radical Islamist violence. In a post on his social-media platform, Trump wrote, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’”

The move revives a policy originally applied to Nigeria in 2020 before being withdrawn during the previous administration. Under U.S. law, CPC designation signals serious violations of religious freedom and allows for diplomatic and economic consequences, though it does not automatically trigger sanctions. In his post, Trump called on U.S. lawmakers, including Representative Riley Moore and Representative Tom Cole, along with the House Appropriations Committee, to investigate “atrocities” in Nigeria and report back. He emphasised U.S. readiness to protect Christian populations worldwide.

The Nigerian government swiftly rejected the designation, calling the data behind the claims “inaccurate and misleading”. The Ministry of Information stated that violence in Nigeria is not faith-targeted but stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal conflict

Lawmakers in Washington, including Senator Ted Cruz, had urged redesignation of Nigeria, citing reported killings of Christians and destruction of churches. They argued that such action would provide diplomatic tools for pressure, including suspending arms sales until the Nigerian government takes tangible steps to halt the violence.

In Abuja, officials maintained that the narrative of a Christian genocide is part of a coordinated lobbying effort to destabilise Nigeria. A presidential spokesman described the campaign as driven by foreign interests rather than grounded in the country’s complex security reality.

This decision places Nigeria back in the spotlight of U.S. religious-freedom and human-rights policy, and could prompt deeper diplomatic engagement or sanctions if follow-through actions are pursued. As the designation takes effect, observers will watch how the U.S. and Nigeria respond in the coming weeks.

US judge says Trump administration cannot suspend food aid benefits

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US judge says Trump administration cannot suspend food aid benefits

BOSTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump’s administration cannot suspend food aid for millions of Americans during the ongoing government shutdown, two federal judges ruled Friday, ordering the government to use contingency funds to maintain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The dual rulings by judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island came in lawsuits seeking to block the U.S. Department of Agriculture from suspending SNAP benefits, known as food stamps, starting Saturday. The decisions potentially preserved food assistance for 42 million low-income Americans who depend on the monthly payments.

Both judges ordered the administration to report back Monday on compliance with their decisions. The USDA did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving uncertainty about whether benefits would be distributed on November 1 as scheduled.

The rulings emerged as Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue trading blame for the shutdown that began October 1, with SNAP benefits becoming a political flashpoint in the funding impasse.

SNAP benefits are available to Americans whose income falls below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, equivalent to $1,632 monthly for a one-person household or $2,215 for a two-person household in many areas. States administer the benefits on a day-to-day basis, with payments distributed monthly.

U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Providence, concluding a hearing in a lawsuit filed by cities, nonprofits and a union, determined that the administration’s decision not to tap $5.25 billion in contingency funds for November benefits was arbitrary.

“There is no doubt and it is beyond argument that irreparable harm will begin to occur if it hasn’t already occurred in the terror it has caused some people about the availability of funding for food, for their family,” McConnell stated during the hearing.

The judge ordered the agency to distribute emergency funds “as soon as possible,” adding that if the money proved insufficient, the agency should determine whether funds from a separate account containing approximately $23 billion could be utilized.

Minutes earlier, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston ruled that the administration was incorrect in claiming it was legally prohibited from using contingency funds to pay SNAP benefits during the shutdown. The Boston ruling came in a lawsuit brought by 25 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia.

Talwani, who like McConnell was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, concluded that “the suspension of SNAP payments was based on the erroneous conclusion that the contingency funds could not be used to ensure continuation of SNAP payments.”

The USDA has stated that insufficient funds exist to provide full benefits costing $8.5 billion to $9 billion monthly. The administration claimed the agency lacked authority to distribute payments until Congress passes spending legislation ending the government shutdown.

The USDA’s shutdown plan released last month indicated contingency funds were available to maintain SNAP benefits if Congress failed to enact spending legislation averting the October 1 funding lapse. However, the department updated its website last week stating no benefits would be issued November 1, declaring “the well has run dry” and prompting the lawsuits.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Friday morning characterized arguments by Democrats in Congress and Democratic-led states that the USDA possessed funds for November SNAP benefits as “a lie.”

Rollins argued the contingency fund can only be used when money for the food aid program is appropriated, stating the agency intends to reserve the funds for natural disaster responses or other emergencies.

“It is a contingency fund that can only flow if the underlying appropriation is approved,” Rollins told reporters on Capitol Hill alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson.

During a Thursday hearing, Justice Department attorney Jason Altabet warned that partial payments, unprecedented in the program’s history, could prove difficult, noting that officials were “legitimately scared” about whether antiquated state systems could handle the distribution.

“The agency thinks it would be catastrophic,” Altabet said, raising concerns about the technical capacity to implement partial benefit payments.

Both McConnell and Talwani indicated the administration possessed the ability to fund SNAP benefits fully if it exercised discretion to tap additional funding sources to cover shortfalls.

The court decisions represent a significant legal setback for the Trump administration’s handling of the shutdown’s impact on social services. The rulings suggest judges found the administration’s interpretation of its funding authority too restrictive.

SNAP represents one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty programs, serving tens of millions of Americans including children, elderly individuals and people with disabilities. The monthly benefits help recipients purchase food at grocery stores and authorized retailers.

The potential suspension of benefits had created widespread alarm among anti-hunger advocates who warned that millions of families would face immediate food insecurity. Food banks and charitable organizations indicated they lacked capacity to serve the additional demand that would result from SNAP suspension.

The lawsuits reflected growing concern among state officials and advocacy organizations about the shutdown’s impact on vulnerable populations. Democratic-led states argued the administration possessed both legal authority and available funds to continue the program.

The judges’ orders requiring Monday reports on compliance suggest skepticism about the administration’s claims regarding funding limitations and legal constraints. The reporting requirement enables courts to monitor whether the government follows through on distributing benefits.

The technical challenges raised by the Justice Department attorney regarding state payment systems highlight the complexity of administering benefits during the shutdown. Many states rely on older computer systems that may not easily accommodate irregular payment schedules or amounts.

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