Supreme Court Halts SNAP Funding Order Amid Legal Battle

The Supreme Court on Friday approved the Trump administration’s emergency request to temporarily stop a lower-court order that required full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the government shutdown. The ruling allows partial payments to continue while legal battles unfold, according to reports.

The decision came hours after a federal judge ordered the administration to make full SNAP payments by midnight. Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island ruled that the administration must maintain full funding for November, stating that any cut in benefits would cause “irreparable harm” to millions of Americans reliant on the program.

Lawsuits from Democrat-led states and anti-hunger groups accused the administration of improperly withholding funds for the country’s largest food-aid program. Administration officials noted that the Department of Agriculture has about $4.6 billion left in its contingency fund, roughly half of what is needed to cover a month of SNAP benefits. USDA leaders warned the fund was not designed to sustain the program during an extended shutdown.

In its emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, the Justice Department argued that lower courts cannot force the executive branch to spend money Congress has not approved. Government lawyers claimed enforcing the full-payment order would undermine congressional authority and violate federal spending laws.

Despite the uncertainty, states including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts proceeded with full payments after earlier court rulings, citing guidance from the federal government. However, officials acknowledged the situation could change based on the Supreme Court’s final decision.

President Donald Trump expressed hesitation about authorizing full payments, noting the remaining funds come from an emergency reserve meant for wars or natural disasters. He suggested Democrats could resolve the deadlock by reopening the government and approving regular funding for food assistance. The White House stated it is following court orders but aims to avoid using emergency reserves beyond what Congress permits.

Officials confirmed they will continue partial payments while awaiting additional rulings. SNAP supports about 42 million Americans and costs around $8 billion a month. The dispute raises constitutional questions over whether courts can compel the executive branch to spend funds not approved by Congress. The Supreme Court’s stay suggests this issue will remain unresolved until the justices deliver a final ruling or Congress restores full funding.