Legal Battle Clouds Future of Food Aid for Millions

Mon Nov 10 2025 09:43:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Uncertainty looms over whether states can maintain full SNAP benefits amidst a federal legal dispute. The Trump administration's demands could lead to severe disruptions in food assistance programs.

As states grapple with the conflicting directives from the Trump administration regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), approximately 42 million Americans face an uncertain future regarding their food aid. The administration's push to roll back full benefits during an ongoing legal battle has sparked concerns among state officials about potential disruptions to the vital program. Some states have moved to disburse full benefits, while others have opted for partial payouts, leading to confusion and fear of financial penalties. Governors are standing firm in defending the assistance to those in need amidst a politically charged environment.

States administering a federal food aid program serving about 42 million Americans faced uncertainty Monday over whether they can — and should — provide full monthly benefits during an ongoing legal battle involving the U.S. government shutdown.

The Trump administration over the weekend demanded that states “undo” full benefits that were paid under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during a one-day window between when a federal judge ordered full funding and a Supreme Court justice put a temporary pause on that order.

A federal appeals court is now considering whether to impose a longer halt to the full benefits, as Congress debates funding for SNAP to resolve the government shutdown.

Some states are warning of “catastrophic operational disruptions” if the administration does not reimburse them for SNAP benefits they already authorized. Meanwhile, other states are providing partial monthly SNAP benefits with federal funds or using their resources to load electronic benefit cards for SNAP recipients.

Millions Await Critical Assistance

Initially, the Trump administration indicated that SNAP benefits would not be available in November due to the government shutdown. After states and nonprofit organizations filed lawsuits, two judges ruled the administration could not withhold these essential benefits.

Subsequently, the administration announced it would use an emergency reserve fund to provide 65% of the maximum monthly benefit. On Thursday, a federal judge ruled that this was inadequate, ordering full funding for SNAP benefits by Friday.

Some states quickly directed EBT vendors to disburse full benefits to SNAP recipients, allowing millions to purchase food soon. However, this order was put on hold pending an appeals court's review.

Meanwhile, many others have not received their October SNAP payments due to states waiting for guidance from the USDA, which oversees the program.

The Trump administration has claimed the judicial order to provide full benefits infringes on constitutional spending powers.

States Push Back

On Sunday, the administration claimed that states acted too hastily in disbursing full benefits following last week's rulings. Patrick Penn, deputy undersecretary of Agriculture, warned state SNAP directors that they must immediately reverse any steps to issue full benefits or face penalties.

Wisconsin, one of the first states to issue full benefits after the judge's order, has had its federal reimbursements frozen. As a result, the state's SNAP account may deplete, leaving no funds to reimburse stores selling food to SNAP recipients.

Some Democratic governors have vowed to oppose any federal attempt to retract funds. In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont reassured recipients that “those who received their benefits should not worry about losing them.””

“No, Connecticut does not need to reclaim SNAP benefits already sent to the 360,000 people who depend on them for food and should never have been caught in this political conflict,” Lamont declared. “We are committed to supporting them.”