Connecticut SNAP recipients will not have to return food benefits paid out during the shutdown, according to a federal judge's ruling.

Connecticut paid full SNAP benefits to roughly 360,000 people over the weekend.

The Trump administration wants states to undo those payments or face penalties, but on Monday a judge said Connecticut and several other states don't have to.

"It's utterly cruel," said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. "We have loaded the cards of people so they can go to the supermarket right now... Why would you then take that food away from them?"

The Agriculture Department is expected to appeal.