The US Supreme Court has temporarily let the Trump administration keep about $4 billion in federal food aid. This decision came even though a lower court had ordered all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits be paid in full for November 2025. The Supreme Court’s emergency administrative stay came because people were worried about the chaos from the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to step in just hours before a federal judge’s deadline. The deadline was to finish releasing all of the food aid that helps about 42 million low-income Americans. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson put a temporary stop to the case. This pause was to allow a federal appeals court more time to review the administration’s formal request for partial funding. This was needed because the shutdown had left the government short on funds.
SNAP, the biggest federal food assistance program, helps about one in eight Americans. It provides an average of $300 a month for each person and $1,000 for families of four. The ongoing shutdown has made accessing emergency reserves more difficult. Therefore, the administration must seek permission to provide only partial benefits this month.
Two federal judges, including US District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island, ruled that SNAP benefits must be fully paid with $4.65 billion in emergency reserve funds. However, the administration argued that following the full payment order would interfere with other important child nutrition programs. Moreover, it could further complicate the shutdown.
Lawyers helping low-income Americans emphasized getting food aid to families in need quickly. They argued that delays worsen conditions during uncertain times. The Supreme Court’s stay aims to balance the judicial process with the difficulties of managing government during unprecedented financial stress.
Millions of vulnerable Americans are still unsure about the food assistance they need to live on. Meanwhile, the appeals court prepares to make a swift decision on the longer-term SNAP funding relief.
This change shows how politics, the courts, and social welfare programs are all affected by a long federal shutdown. It will have big effects on the country’s food security situation in November 2025.
