Trump Administration Requests Supreme Court to Suspend Order for Complete SNAP Benefits in November

The Trump administration has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to suspend a lower court’s order requiring full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November 2025. This legal action arises during a federal government shutdown that has disrupted various services.

Earlier, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. mandated the Department of Agriculture to fully fund SNAP using emergency and tariff-based funds, criticizing the administration for withholding funds as a political tactic. The administration contends that only Congress can allocate federal funds and claims the court’s order exceeded its authority.

On Friday, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily blocked the lower court’s ruling to allow the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review the case and decide on a more permanent stay. Her order will remain in effect for 48 hours after the appeals court issues its ruling.

The ongoing legal disputes have created uncertainty for millions of low-income Americans who depend on SNAP for food security. While some states—like Wisconsin, Oregon, and California—continued full SNAP payments as per the original court order, others such as Illinois and Kentucky issued only partial payments, and Delaware used state funds for temporary relief.

The Supreme Court’s intervention complicates matters further, leaving many recipients unclear about their benefits. The appeals court’s decision will have significant implications for SNAP distributions in November and the food security of many Americans. As the situation evolves, both the administration and various states are preparing for potential outcomes, considering alternative support measures during this uncertain period. Further developments are expected as the appeals process unfolds.