Trump Administration Orders Reversal of SNAP Benefits After Court Stay

The Trump administration has directed states to reverse the full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that were distributed last week, following a temporary stay issued by the Supreme Court. This directive affects benefits that had been authorized under a previous judicial ruling, raising concerns about operational disruptions in over two dozen states.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued this directive after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily paused the ruling that allowed for the disbursement of SNAP benefits. On November 3, 2025, the Supreme Court began considering the Trump administration’s appeal, leading to uncertainty about the future of the program.

States had faced warnings of “catastrophic operational disruptions” if they were not reimbursed for the SNAP benefits that had already been distributed. In response to the Supreme Court‘s earlier ruling, several states had issued full payments, only to have these actions declared unauthorized by the USDA.

In a letter to state SNAP directors, Patrick Penn, Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture, stated, “To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025.” He further cautioned that states could face penalties for non-compliance with the reversal.

The implications of this decision are significant, particularly for those who rely on SNAP benefits for essential food assistance. The reversal affects many low-income families who depend on this support, and the timing complicates the situation further as some states had already processed payments.

The legal battle over SNAP funding has been ongoing, with Democratic attorneys general and various nonprofit organizations filing lawsuits to maintain and continue funding the program amidst a government shutdown. The Supreme Court ruling had previously favored these groups by allowing for the distribution of benefits, but the recent judicial stay has shifted the landscape dramatically.

As the situation develops, it remains unclear whether the order from the USDA applies solely to states that rely on federal funds or if it also includes those that utilized their own resources to continue the program. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s deliberations will be pivotal in determining the future of SNAP benefits, which serve as a critical safety net for millions of Americans.

The continued funding and administration of SNAP are not only matters of legal compliance but also of humanitarian concern, as many individuals and families face increasing food insecurity. As states grapple with the implications of this directive, the need for a swift resolution is more pressing than ever.