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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ordered states to halt and reverse any actions taken to issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, following a Supreme Court ruling that sided with the Trump administration. The directive, issued late Saturday, warns that states failing to comply risk financial penalties, including the loss of federal administrative funding and liability for overpayments.
The move follows a Friday Supreme Court order that allows the administration to continue withholding $4 billion in federal food aid pending further review by a lower court. SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, supports nearly 42 million low-income Americans and has lapsed for the first time in its 60-year history amid a record 40-day government shutdown.
Prior to the ruling, the USDA had told states it was preparing to comply with a lower court order requiring full SNAP funding. Several states, including Massachusetts and New Jersey, began steps to issue full benefits. However, the USDA’s new guidance declared those actions unauthorized, directing states to issue only partial payments.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned the decision, saying the state “will see [the administration] in court” to protect residents from hunger. New Jersey officials also criticized the move, calling it “shameful” and urging a swift resolution to the funding impasse.
The legal battle stems from lawsuits filed by states, cities, and nonprofit organizations after the administration announced in October that SNAP funding would lapse on November 1. While federal judges initially ordered partial funding from a $5 billion contingency reserve, a Rhode Island judge later mandated full funding. The Justice Department appealed, and the Supreme Court’s latest action allows delays as the First Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the case. Meanwhile, millions of Americans continue to rely on strained food pantries and emergency aid as the dispute drags on.
