Full Breakdown
Legal Battle Over SNAP Benefits Amid Government Shutdown
11/11/2025, 2:07:03 AM
Court Rulings and Government Response
On November 10, 2025, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston upheld a lower court's order requiring the Trump administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, impacting approximately 42 million low-income Americans during the ongoing government shutdown. This decision came after U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must allocate $4 billion from child nutrition funds to ensure full SNAP payments. The appeals court's ruling, however, is currently on hold due to a temporary stay issued by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, which allows the administration time to seek a permanent stay from the Supreme Court.
The Trump administration had initially planned to suspend SNAP benefits entirely, citing a lack of funding due to the shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025. This marked a departure from past practices where SNAP benefits were fully funded during previous shutdowns. The administration's stance has faced significant backlash, with critics arguing that withholding these benefits is politically motivated and harmful to vulnerable populations.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the Trump administration's approach, including Judge McConnell, have accused the government of inaction and political maneuvering. Judge Julie Rikelman, writing for the appeals court, emphasized that allowing partial payments would lead to "immense harm" for millions of Americans, particularly as winter approaches. The National Council of Nonprofits, which was part of the lawsuit against the administration, condemned the government's tactics, stating that using hungry Americans as a political tool is unacceptable.
Andrea Joy Campbell, the Attorney General of Massachusetts, also voiced strong opposition, asserting that the federal government cannot penalize states for attempting to provide necessary support to their residents. The legal battle has drawn in various stakeholders, including cities, nonprofits, and unions, all advocating for the protection of SNAP benefits.
Official Statements & Responses
The USDA has directed states to "undo" any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits, warning of potential financial penalties for non-compliance. The administration has argued that it cannot be compelled to find additional funds beyond a contingency reserve, blaming Congress for the ongoing crisis. Solicitor General D. John Sauer indicated that the administration would pursue a stay of the lower court's orders while Congress works towards a resolution to the shutdown.
In a statement, Judge Rikelman noted, “Without SNAP, tens of millions would go hungry — the first among a cascade of other health and financial harms that would befall those forced to go without enough food.” This sentiment underscores the urgency of the situation as lawmakers negotiate a potential resolution to the government shutdown.
What's Next
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Senate has advanced measures aimed at reopening the government, which could render the ongoing litigation moot. If passed, this legislation would ensure full funding for SNAP through the end of the fiscal year, alleviating some of the immediate concerns regarding food security for millions of Americans. The Supreme Court's upcoming decisions will be critical in determining the future of SNAP funding during this unprecedented government shutdown.
