Washington, D.C. — Millions of Americans are caught in the middle of a deepening political and legal dispute over federal food assistance, as the Trump administration orders states to reverse full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits issued during a one-day window of conflicting court rulings.
The SNAP program, which provides essential food aid to more than 42 million Americans, has become entangled in a constitutional standoff between the executive branch, the courts, and state governments during the ongoing federal shutdown.
Over the weekend, the administration instructed states to “undo” full benefit payments made after a federal judge ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture to restore full monthly SNAP funding. The order was temporarily blocked by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson pending further review.
While a federal appeals court in Boston allowed the judge’s ruling to stand, the Supreme Court’s temporary pause means the federal government is not required to pay the full benefits for at least 48 hours. The administration is expected to seek another intervention from the high court as Congress debates a broader spending package that could restore SNAP funding.
States Split on Whether to Reverse Payments
Several states that had already disbursed full November SNAP benefits — including Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Kansas — now face uncertainty over reimbursement. In Wisconsin, the administration froze federal reimbursement, potentially depleting the state’s SNAP account and leaving local grocery stores without payment for redeemed benefits.
“States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025,” wrote Patrick Penn, deputy undersecretary of agriculture, warning that noncompliance could result in penalties.
However, some Democratic-led states say they will defy the order and refuse to claw back benefits from struggling families.
“Those who received their benefits should not worry about losing them,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “We have their back — people should never be caught in the middle of a political fight over food.”
Millions Still Waiting for Benefits
In states that delayed distribution, millions of low-income Americans remain without their monthly food assistance. Some states have issued partial payments using reserve funds or state dollars, while others await clear federal guidance.
The administration initially announced that no SNAP benefits would be distributed in November due to the shutdown. After lawsuits from multiple states and nonprofit groups, federal courts ruled that the administration must resume payments. Judge John J. McConnell subsequently ordered full benefits, rejecting a partial-payment plan that would have covered only 65% of the monthly amount.
The administration has argued that the judge’s order violates the Constitution, claiming it interferes with the spending powers of Congress and the executive branch.
Political and Human Impact
The dispute has already created significant operational strain for state agencies and retailers who process SNAP transactions. Some state officials warn of “catastrophic disruptions” if Washington fails to reimburse authorized payments.
Meanwhile, food banks and community programs across the country report surging demand as uncertainty grows. “We’re seeing longer lines every day,” said one volunteer at a Philadelphia food distribution site. “People don’t know if their benefits will arrive — and for many, that means they don’t know if they’ll eat.”
With Congress still deadlocked and legal challenges mounting, the fate of November’s food benefits remains unclear — leaving millions of Americans in limbo during one of the most contentious government shutdowns in recent memory.