Trump Administration Appeals SNAP Order to Supreme Court
*We’re not sure of what their logic is, but it’s a bad, bad look for ’em. The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday (11-07-25) to block a federal judge’s order requiring full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. The appeal came after a lower court mandated the USDA to deliver $9 billion in food assistance during the ongoing government shutdown, USA Today and other media outlets are reporting.
The First Circuit Court of Appeals declined to grant a stay earlier in the day. That led the administration to turn to the Supreme Court, where Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a temporary administrative stay. The order halted the required payments just hours before the USDA’s deadline.
Judge Ordered Full SNAP Aid Amid Shutdown
On Nov. 6, U.S. District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island ruled that the USDA must issue full SNAP benefits by Nov. 7. He directed the department to use available contingency funds and money from Section 32—surplus funds usually reserved for child nutrition programs.
McConnell rejected the administration’s argument that these funds were off-limits. He wrote that refusing to use available money created “the very real and immediate risk of children being deprived of their food assistance today.” He noted that child nutrition programs had enough funding through May 2026 and could be replenished by Congress.
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Administration Says Courts Can’t Force Federal Spending
In its Supreme Court filing, the administration argued that courts lack the authority to mandate unappropriated spending. Solicitor General John Sauer said there is no legal basis to force the executive branch “to somehow find $4 billion in the metaphorical couch cushions.”
Justice Department lawyers warned the lower court’s ruling could trigger a “run on the bank by way of judicial fiat.” They claimed the decision opens the door for any federal program beneficiary to demand funding through the courts during a shutdown.
States Issued Payments, Then Forced to Pause
After McConnell’s order, at least nine states—including New York, California, and Illinois—began distributing full SNAP benefits. A USDA memo confirmed compliance, and some recipients saw full funds loaded onto their EBT cards.
However, once the Supreme Court issued its stay, states were forced to stop. Some may need to reverse or withhold benefits already sent. Others resumed issuing reduced payments funded by a $4.6 billion USDA contingency fund, which only covers about 50 percent of normal benefit levels.
Online Reactions: ‘Cruelty’ and ‘Dystopian’ Moves
The Supreme Court stay sparked immediate backlash online. On Lipstick Alley, a popular Black culture forum, users criticized the administration’s decision. The tone reflected disbelief and anger:
- “It just gets worse by the day.”
- “Wow. The cruelty. I wonder how MAGA will spin this.”
- “This is very dystopian. Controlling people through hunger.”
Many commenters expressed concern about using food aid as a political weapon, especially during a shutdown. Others pointed out the long-term effects of instability on low-income families and seniors.
Advocates Blast Appeal, Say Hunger Shouldn’t Be a Weapon
Skye Perryman, president of the Democracy Forward Foundation, which helped file the lawsuit, strongly criticized the administration’s actions. She accused the government of trying to “take food out of the mouths of families, seniors, workers, and children.”
“Even as the administration attempts – again – through an appeal to the Supreme Court to deprive people of nutrition,” Perryman said, “we will continue to meet them with effective legal action and secure benefits for the American people.”
The Food Research & Action Center echoed those concerns, warning that food insecurity is rising and that Congress should act immediately to ensure uninterrupted SNAP funding.
What Happens Next: Courts and Congress Hold the Key
The Supreme Court’s stay is only temporary. It expires 48 hours after the First Circuit issues a decision on the administration’s broader request to delay enforcement of McConnell’s order. If the circuit court sides with the plaintiffs, the case could return to the Supreme Court for a longer injunction.
Advocates are now calling on Congress to pass emergency legislation to restore full SNAP funding and end the shutdown. Until then, millions of families will continue to receive reduced aid—or nothing at all—while the legal battle unfolds.
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