BOSTON, Oct 28 (Reuters)<\/strong> \u2013 Twenty-five Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to stop a suspension of federal food aid set to begin November 1 during the ongoing government shutdown. The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s refusal to use $6 billion in contingency funds to continue the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves more than 41 million Americans.<\/p>\n Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the government \u201chas the money to continue funding SNAP benefits \u2014 they\u2019re choosing to harm millions of families.\u201d The suit, filed in Boston federal court, argues the USDA\u2019s decision violates the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which mandates aid for all eligible households. Judge Indira Talwani will hold a hearing Thursday on whether to force the USDA to release funds.<\/p>\n The USDA recently said \u201cthe well has run dry,\u201d signaling no benefits would be issued for November. SNAP provides aid to households earning below 130% of the poverty line, while nearly 7 million others could lose benefits from the WIC program.<\/p>\n A new Reuters\/Ipsos poll shows President Donald Trump\u2019s approval rating has dropped to 40%, matching the lowest point of his term. Fifty-seven percent of Americans disapprove of his performance, particularly on handling the cost of living, where 63% expressed dissatisfaction.<\/p>\n Despite the shutdown\u2014the second longest in U.S. history\u2014public reaction remains muted: half of respondents said it has little or no effect on their lives. Most Americans support Democrats\u2019 push to extend health insurance subsidies, even if it raises the deficit.<\/p>\n Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump are expected to meet this week in South Korea following tense trade talks. Both sides seek to ease escalating tariffs and export controls after Beijing restricted rare earth mineral exports and Trump threatened new 100% tariffs on Chinese goods.<\/p>\n Analysts expect the meeting to focus on de-escalation rather than a full trade deal. Trump is also expected to discuss China\u2019s influence over Russia and ongoing global conflicts during his Asia trip, which includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.<\/p>\n Trump\u2019s six-day Asia trip aims to strengthen economic and security ties. He will meet Japan\u2019s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, South Korea\u2019s President Lee Jae Myung, and other regional leaders. Talks are expected to center on trade, tariffs, and potential peace initiatives, including a possible meeting with North Korea\u2019s Kim Jong Un.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" States Sue Trump Administration Over SNAP Suspension Amid Shutdown BOSTON, Oct 28 (Reuters) \u2013 Twenty-five Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to stop a suspension of federal food aid set to begin November 1 during the ongoing government shutdown. The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s refusal to use…<\/p>\n
\nTrump\u2019s Approval Falls as Cost of Living Concerns Grow<\/h3>\n
\nXi-Trump Meeting Expected Amid Trade Tensions<\/h3>\n
\nTrump\u2019s Asia Tour<\/h3>\n