President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, reversing an earlier cut triggered by a Supreme Court order that temporarily blocked expanded food aid payments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also announced Friday that it is working to fully fund food stamp benefits for November to comply with a federal court order, with the process expected to be completed later in the day.
The move comes amid a heated legal and political battle over federal nutrition assistance, as millions of low-income Americans continue to face rising food prices and inflation pressures. The Supreme Court issued an emergency order earlier this month halting the Biden-era policy that had increased SNAP allocations for eligible households, citing procedural concerns. The ruling led to uncertainty and partial benefit reductions in several states.
The USDA’s guidance, posted on its website, marked the latest step in a weeks-long standoff that threatened critical food aid for nearly 42 million Americans during the ongoing federal government shutdown. A federal judge on Thursday ordered the agency to restore full benefits, a directive the Trump administration promptly appealed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that states will receive full federal funding for November, allowing local agencies to process SNAP benefits without interruption. Officials said the decision was made after consultations with Congress and state governors to prevent gaps in aid distribution.
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New Yorkers are set to receive their SNAP benefits starting Sunday, Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed. In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey announced that delayed benefits will begin reaching families as early as Saturday. Meanwhile, North Carolina began issuing partial benefits to more than 586,000 households on Friday morning, following the USDA’s guidance earlier this week. State officials said recipients should expect the rest of their benefits to appear on their cards as soon as this weekend.
Critics argue that Trump’s move is politically motivated, coming just weeks before key legislative negotiations over the next federal budget. Supporters, however, see it as a decisive step to shield families from further economic strain. “People are struggling with the cost of food, rent, and fuel,” said an administration spokesperson. “This action brings immediate relief.”
According to a representative for Democratic Governor Tony Evers, more than $104 million in monthly food assistance were made accessible to roughly 337,000 households in Wisconsin on electronic cards at midnight. By asking its electronic benefit card provider to make the SNAP payments within hours after a Thursday court order to deliver full benefits, the state was able to obtain the federal funds so swiftly.
In the meantime, North Carolina began providing partial payments to over 586,000 households on Friday morning in accordance with USDA’s partial benefit guidelines from earlier this week. As early as this weekend, recipients may see their remaining allotments appear on their cards.
Joseph Campos II, deputy director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, told The Associated Press that Hawaii had the data for November’s monthly payments ready to go so it could submit it for processing promptly following Thursday’s court order and before a higher court could possibly pause it.
Shortly after Judge McConnell issued his ruling on Thursday, the administration filed an appeal with the First Circuit Court. By Friday morning, government attorneys were urging the court largely composed of judges appointed by Democratic presidents to swiftly pause the directive.
The SNAP program, commonly known as food stamps, currently serves more than 40 million Americans. Analysts note that reinstating full benefits could inject billions of dollars into the economy through increased consumer spending, particularly in grocery and retail sectors.
The Supreme Court’s intervention has reignited debate over the balance of executive power and judicial oversight in social welfare policy. Legal experts say the Court’s ruling leaves room for Congress to clarify benefit provisions in future legislation.
As the administration moves forward with the November payments, attention now turns to whether the White House and Congress can craft a long-term agreement to stabilize food assistance funding for the months ahead. SNAP remains one of the most vital federal programs.