Ongoing Legal Battle Over SNAP Benefits Leaves Millions in Limbo

Mon Nov 10 2025 09:57:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Trump administration's push to alter SNAP benefits amid a government shutdown has created significant uncertainty for states and the millions of Americans who rely on this crucial food assistance program.

As the Trump administration seeks to reverse full monthly benefits for SNAP amid a government shutdown, states face uncertainty and potential operational disruptions. A federal appeals court is reviewing the situation, while state governors express commitments to protecting benefits for their residents.

States administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), serving approximately 42 million Americans, are caught in uncertainty over whether they can fully provide benefits amid a legal tussle linked to the U.S. government shutdown.

The Trump administration's recent directive has prompted states to reconsider their provision of full benefits, arguing that they must retract SNAP funds disbursed during a brief window when the law mandated full funding before a Supreme Court justice imposed a temporary stay on the order.

A federal appeals court is currently deliberating the extension of this hold on full benefits, while Congress considers funding SNAP in an effort to resolve the shutdown. Some states are raising alarms about severe operational impacts if the Trump administration fails to reimburse them for benefits already granted.

The conflict has led to varied responses from states; some have begun disbursing full SNAP benefits using either federal resources or their own financial sources, while others are waiting further directives from the USDA, creating a risk of food insecurity for many.

The Trump administration has previously indicated that SNAP benefits may not be available for November and later claimed they would only be able to fund 65% of the maximum benefit, a decision which was overruled by judicial intervention mandating full funding.

In light of the ongoing legal battle, Democratic governors from several states have expressed their commitment to fight any federal attempts to retract benefits already issued to their residents, ensuring that those who depend on SNAP are not left in a vulnerable position due to the political standoff.

Connecticut's Governor Ned Lamont emphasized that the state will not retract benefits already issued to SNAP recipients, asserting the need to protect those who rely on the assistance for their basic nutritional needs.

As negotiations continue in Congress and further court rulings are awaited, the future of SNAP benefits hangs in the balance, impacting millions who rely on this essential aid for sustenance.