Trump Administration Appeals SNAP Ruling Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has formally appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding a lower court ruling mandating full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. This appeal comes even as efforts continue to address the ongoing federal government shutdown that has left millions of beneficiaries uncertain about their aid.

A federal appeals court recently denied another attempt by the administration to limit SNAP funding to 65% of what recipients are entitled to, asserting that withholding aid from millions would cause significant harm. The judge in Rhode Island ordered the government to pay 100% of the benefits, asserting the funding gap could have been managed differently.

In a scathing rebuke, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell Jr. criticized the government for its lack of preparation and accused it of delaying payments for “political purposes.” This delay comes while many SNAP enrollees fear they may receive no aid, escalating their already challenging situations during the government shutdown.

Amidst the appeals, some states began distributing SNAP benefits based on the initial order, but a halt was later issued. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cautioned states against continuing full payments, stating they may face financial penalties if they do.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee reacted strongly to these developments, accusing President Trump of deliberately creating chaos and endangering families’ access to food. “It’s inhumane,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll this uncertainty takes on low-income households.

Despite the chaos, the USDA insisted that their approach meets legal standards to fund SNAP, but critics argue that they are sidelining those in need during a critical time. Hours after the Supreme Court’s intervention, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins criticized the rulings, labeling them as reckless.

Organizations like Facing Hunger Foodbank have noted a surge in demand as more families turn to food pantries due to uncertainty surrounding their SNAP benefits. CEO Cynthia Kirkhart emphasized the deep emotional impact this ongoing limbo has caused among recipients. “We can do better,” she lamented.