Trump Halts SNAP Benefits Amid Shutdown, Legal Battle Ensues

As the US government shutdown drags into its sixth week, a new USDA directive has thrust food assistance into the center of the standoff. This weekend, states received orders to reverse full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments already sent for November.

USDA orders reversal of November SNAP payments

Late Saturday, the US Department of Agriculture notified regional SNAP directors that any steps taken to distribute full payments this month “were not authorized.” The memo instructed states to “immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025,” citing the shutdown as the cause for pausing hunger‐relief funding.

“Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025,” the memo said. “Please advise the appropriate FNS Regional Office representative of steps taken to correct any actions taken that do not comply with this memorandum.”

The USDA warned that noncompliant states could face repercussions, “including cancellation of the Federal share of State administrative costs and holding States liable for any overissuances that result from the noncompliance.”

Some 42 million Americans rely on SNAP—also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—to help cover grocery expenses.

The government shutdown, which began on October 1, is now the longest in US history, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed or forced to work without pay. Many air traffic controllers have stayed home, prompting the FAA to ground thousands of flights ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Although the USDA planned to pause benefits on November 1, a Rhode Island court ordered it to tap emergency funds to continue payments. In a November 3 court filing, the USDA said it “is complying with the Court’s order and will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds.”

President Trump then wrote on Truth Social that his administration would still withhold benefits until the shutdown is resolved. The administration appealed the lower court ruling, and the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Rhode Island order while legal challenges proceed, allowing November’s SNAP payments to remain on hold.