Trump Administration Appeals Court Order on SNAP Benefits Amid Government Shutdown

By Charlie McCarthy | Friday, 07 November 2025 08:43 AM EST

The Trump administration swiftly appealed a federal court ruling compelling it to fully fund November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments despite the ongoing government shutdown. The appeal followed a Thursday decision by U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island, which mandated the administration secure full funding for the program, according to Newsweek.

Judge McConnell set a deadline of Friday for compliance, though millions of Americans reliant on SNAP may not immediately receive their full benefits. He criticized the administration’s initial plan to cover only 65% of November’s payments, arguing it overlooked the “practical consequences” of reduced aid for low-income households.

The partial funding approach followed an earlier court order requiring the use of USDA emergency reserves to keep SNAP operational during the shutdown. Administration officials immediately challenged the ruling, claiming it overstepped judicial authority by dictating executive spending priorities during a funding lapse.

Vice President JD Vance condemned the decision, calling it “an absurd ruling” and accusing the judge of interfering in fiscal matters during a “Democrat government shutdown.” At the White House, Vance emphasized that full SNAP funding would resume once Democrats agree to reopen the government, asserting courts should not dictate executive actions during a shutdown.

The Trump administration had initially halted November SNAP payments after congressional appropriations lapsed, sparking concern among state agencies and food banks. Two recent rulings mandated partial payments using a $5 billion contingency fund—far short of the $9 billion needed.

Supporters of the court’s action, including Democrat governors and advocacy groups, hailed it as a “major victory for hungry families.” However, conservative lawmakers and administration officials argued the ruling undermines executive discretion during a shutdown fueled by congressional gridlock.

“The president will comply with the law,” Vance stated, “but we’re also going to make the government work for people in the best way we can.”

The government shutdown now marks the longest in U.S. history, with the SNAP dispute underscoring broader tensions between judicial and executive branches over fiscal responsibility.