News
November 09, 2025
Supreme Court sides with Trump on SNAP flap
BOSTON — The Supreme Court on Friday granted the Trump administration’s emergency appeal to temporarily block a court order to fully fund SNAP food aid payments amid the government shutdown, even though residents in some states already have received the...
The Supreme Court delivered a victory to the Trump administration on Friday, temporarily halting a lower court order concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The ruling allows the administration to restrict SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, even as some states have already distributed payments based on the initial court order.
The emergency appeal was filed by the Trump administration after a federal judge ordered the government to fully fund SNAP benefits despite the funding lapse caused by the prolonged shutdown. This lower court decision aimed to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families relying on SNAP would continue to receive the aid they needed to purchase food.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant the stay effectively puts the lower court's order on hold while the legal battle continues. This means the administration can proceed with its plan to limit SNAP benefits during the shutdown period. The exact implications for SNAP recipients across the country are still unfolding, but the ruling introduces uncertainty for millions of Americans who depend on this critical program.
The case highlights the complex interplay between government shutdowns, judicial intervention, and the provision of essential social safety nets. The shutdown, triggered by disagreements over funding for a border wall, had already disrupted numerous government services and left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay. The SNAP controversy added another layer of hardship, raising concerns about food security for low-income families.
The Supreme Court’s decision is a temporary measure, and the legal challenge to the administration's SNAP policy is expected to continue. The courts will ultimately need to decide on the legality of the administration's actions regarding SNAP funding during government shutdowns. This ruling underscores the significant role the judiciary plays in shaping the impact of political gridlock on everyday Americans. The situation is being closely monitored by advocacy groups and state governments, who are trying to understand the full extent of the impact on SNAP recipients and explore potential avenues for mitigating any negative consequences.
The emergency appeal was filed by the Trump administration after a federal judge ordered the government to fully fund SNAP benefits despite the funding lapse caused by the prolonged shutdown. This lower court decision aimed to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families relying on SNAP would continue to receive the aid they needed to purchase food.
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant the stay effectively puts the lower court's order on hold while the legal battle continues. This means the administration can proceed with its plan to limit SNAP benefits during the shutdown period. The exact implications for SNAP recipients across the country are still unfolding, but the ruling introduces uncertainty for millions of Americans who depend on this critical program.
The case highlights the complex interplay between government shutdowns, judicial intervention, and the provision of essential social safety nets. The shutdown, triggered by disagreements over funding for a border wall, had already disrupted numerous government services and left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay. The SNAP controversy added another layer of hardship, raising concerns about food security for low-income families.
The Supreme Court’s decision is a temporary measure, and the legal challenge to the administration's SNAP policy is expected to continue. The courts will ultimately need to decide on the legality of the administration's actions regarding SNAP funding during government shutdowns. This ruling underscores the significant role the judiciary plays in shaping the impact of political gridlock on everyday Americans. The situation is being closely monitored by advocacy groups and state governments, who are trying to understand the full extent of the impact on SNAP recipients and explore potential avenues for mitigating any negative consequences.
Category:
Politics