Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Issued a Short-Term Stay on a Lower Court Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday temporarily halted a lower court order that required the Trump administration to fully fund November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued the stay late Friday, pausing the order until the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules on the administration’s request for a longer-term block. Her order, issued without referring the matter to the full court, effectively delays the lower court’s deadline for the administration to pay the month’s full SNAP benefits by the end of the day.
Earlier that same day, the appellate court denied the administration’s request for an administrative stay, prompting government lawyers to seek emergency intervention from the nation’s highest court. The Trump administration argues that, because of the protracted shutdown, it lacks legal authority to use contingency funds to cover the $8 billion in monthly food assistance that supports roughly 42 million Americans.
While the legal battle unfolded, several states—including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts—announced they had begun issuing SNAP benefits under the direction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The department said Friday afternoon that it was working to ensure full November payments were made despite the uncertainty.
Justice Jackson’s stay will remain in place for 48 hours after the 1st Circuit issues its decision on the administration’s motion for a longer-term pause. In her brief order, Jackson said she expects the appeals court to act “with dispatch.”
The temporary reprieve adds another layer of uncertainty for families dependent on SNAP to buy groceries. Advocacy groups have warned that interruptions in benefits could push millions toward food insecurity. The USDA previously acknowledged that contingency reserves are limited and could be exhausted if the shutdown continues into December.
