Trump Administration Challenges Court Order on SNAP Benefits Amid Shutdown
In the midst of a federal shutdown, a legal battle unfolds as President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to block a court mandate to distribute full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. The administration petitioned a federal appeals court to halt the enforcement of a judge’s order to allocate funds for the month’s complete benefits.
U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. had previously directed the administration to ensure payments through SNAP, a move contested by Trump officials. The appeal to suspend the order arose as some states, such as Wisconsin, began processing benefits. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, confirmed, “We’ve received confirmation that payments went through, including members reporting they can now see their balances.”
This legal conflict extends a period of uncertainty for SNAP recipients, a program vital to approximately one in eight Americans, primarily with lower incomes. The recent court order emerged from a lawsuit filed by cities and nonprofit organizations, challenging the administration’s initial decision to cover only 65% of the maximum monthly benefit during the shutdown.
The judicial ruling mandated the use of an emergency reserve fund, containing over $4.6 billion, to cover November’s SNAP benefits, with the provision to draw from other resources if necessary. The full monthly cost of SNAP ranges between $8.5 billion and $9 billion.
Despite the court’s directive, the administration maintained its stance, asserting that Congress holds the authority to allocate these funds. In a statement, the U.S. Department of Justice described the order as an overreach, stating, “This unprecedented injunction makes a mockery of the separation of powers. Courts hold neither the power to appropriate nor the power to spend.”
States like Michigan are preparing to expedite the distribution of benefits. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that SNAP recipients will receive their full benefits shortly after federal funds are made available, with staggered distribution based on scheduled dates.
For more information, visit the Associated Press.
