Trump Admn 9:30 PM Ultimatum: Will the Supreme Court Block Full SNAP Funding Amid U.S. Hunger Crisis?

The Trump administration has filed an emergency request with the U.S. Supreme Court, demanding a ruling by 9:30 p.m. Friday to block a judge’s order requiring full funding for food aid benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. The decision could determine whether 42 million low-income Americans receive their full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this month.

According to reports from Politico and Reuters, Solicitor General D. John Sauer urged the justices to halt the order by Friday night, warning that the administration would otherwise have to make “an irretrievable transfer of billions of dollars” before the end of the day. The request follows multiple court rulings directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure complete November SNAP disbursements despite federal funding shortfalls.

Inside the Trump Administration’s 9:30 PM Ultimatum

The emergency petition seeks to overturn a Rhode Island judge’s decision that ordered the USDA to cover a $4 billion funding gap to maintain full SNAP benefits through November. U.S. District Judge John McConnell had ruled that the government’s plan to issue only half the benefits was unlawful and failed to consider the harm it would cause millions of Americans struggling to afford food.

The USDA previously stated it would use $4.65 billion in emergency contingency funds to partially fund SNAP this month, even though the full cost typically exceeds $8.5 billion. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the administration’s appeal to pause McConnell’s order, prompting the Justice Department to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

The case has unfolded amid a growing hunger crisis across the United States, with food banks warning of “unprecedented demand.” Linda Nageotte, president of Feeding America, said, “One in eight people in our country right now don’t have enough to eat.”

How States and Courts Are Responding

After the USDA memo indicated that full funding could proceed, several states — including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts — announced they would move forward with issuing complete SNAP benefits for November. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey criticized the administration’s stance, saying, “President Trump should never have put the American people in this position.”

Judge McConnell, an Obama appointee, accused the administration of withholding food aid for “political reasons.” His ruling followed arguments from Democracy Forward, a liberal legal advocacy group, which claimed that partial benefits would cause devastating delays and confusion in state systems already strained by the shutdown.

The Stakes for Millions of Americans

SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, are critical for low-income households earning less than 130% of the federal poverty line. As of fiscal year 2026, the maximum monthly benefit is $298 for an individual and $546 for a two-person household. The lapse in benefits at the start of November marked the first interruption in the program’s 60-year history.

The administration has argued that forcing the USDA to immediately reallocate billions of dollars could disrupt other federal priorities. However, advocacy groups and states have countered that withholding full benefits could deepen the nation’s food insecurity crisis.

The Supreme Court’s decision — expected within hours — could determine whether millions of Americans will receive full food aid this month or face further cuts during one of the most severe hunger emergencies in decades.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did the Trump administration ask the Supreme Court to do?

It asked the Court to halt a lower court’s order requiring full SNAP funding by Friday, seeking a decision by 9:30 p.m.

Q2: How much funding is at stake in the SNAP case?

Roughly $4 billion in USDA funds is in question, part of an $8.5 billion total monthly cost for full benefits.

Q3: How many people rely on SNAP benefits?

About 42 million Americans currently depend on SNAP benefits for food assistance each month.

Q4: Why did the judge rule against the Trump administration?

The judge said the USDA acted unlawfully and ignored the hardship caused by reducing benefits during a hunger crisis.

Q5: Which states have pledged to issue full SNAP benefits?

New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have directed agencies to proceed with full federal benefits for November.