Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Trump Administration Appeals Court Order to Fund Full SNAP Benefits
Families who get help to buy food through a program called SNAP are unsure if they will get their full amount for November because the government is temporarily closed.
A judge told the President's team to give everyone the full money by Friday, saying it's not okay for people to wait.
He felt the government didn't think about how much this would hurt families.
However, the President's team is asking a higher court to stop the judge's order.
They believe judges shouldn't tell the government how to spend money, especially when Congress hasn't approved it.
Some states have already started sending out full payments, while others are sending partial amounts or waiting for more guidance.
One governor assured people that no one would go hungry, even if there are delays.
The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge's order to fully fund November SNAP benefits.
The administration argues courts cannot force spending beyond congressional approval and the injunction violates the separation of powers.
A federal judge ordered the administration on Thursday to use contingency funds for the full $8.5-$9 billion in SNAP benefits.
The government shutdown created uncertainty for about 40 million Americans who rely on SNAP.
Some states have begun issuing full or partial SNAP payments, while others await further instructions.
- Who
- The Trump administration and Federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr.
- What
- The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to block a judge’s order requiring it to release full food aid payments for November under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- When
- The administration asked the appeals court on Friday, following the judge's order on Thursday. The government shutdown is ongoing.
- Where
- The appeal was filed with a federal appeals court. The ruling impacts SNAP recipients nationwide.
- Why
- The administration is appealing the judge's order, arguing that courts cannot force spending beyond congressional approval. The judge ordered full payments to prevent harm to millions relying on SNAP during the government shutdown.
Federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr.
Trump Administration
Authority to Fund SNAP Benefits During Shutdown
Federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr.
Ordered the administration to use contingency funds to distribute full November SNAP benefits, rejecting a plan for partial payments. The judge ruled on Thursday, with a Friday deadline for the full payment.
Trump Administration
Appealed the ruling, arguing that courts do not have the authority to force spending beyond what Congress has approved and that the injunction 'makes a mockery of the separation of powers'.
SNAP Payment Distribution
Federal Judge John J. McConnell Jr.
Mandated the full distribution of November SNAP benefits, citing the uncertainty and potential harm to millions relying on the program.
Trump Administration
Planned to distribute only a portion of the benefits and argued that remaining reserves should be saved for child nutrition programs, stating Congress must approve additional spending.
- SNAP Monthly Maximum (Individual)
- Nearly $300
- SNAP Monthly Maximum (Family of Four)
- About $1,000
- Total SNAP Benefits Cost (Estimated)
- $8.5 billion to $9 billion
- Contingency Funds Used
- $4.6 billion
- Affected Americans
- About 40 million people (one in eight Americans)
- Government Shutdown Duration
- Ongoing (as of Friday)
Sources
Trump Administration ordered to fully fund SNAP benefits for low-income Americans in November
'Find the Money': Judge Orders Trump to Fully Fund Food Stamps Amid Shutdown Chaos
Trump says US needs to ‘remain liquid’
‘People will go hungry,’ warns US judge as he orders full SNAP payments by Friday
US judge orders Trump administration to fully fund Snap benefits in November as shutdown continues
SNAP benefit update: Will Trump fully fund food aid after federal judge order amid shutdown? JD Vance says…
Trump ordered to fully fund SNAP
