A federal appeals court has refused to grant the Trump administration’s request to suspend a lower court ruling that ensured millions of Americans would continue receiving their full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this November. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit keeps in place a lower court injunction that temporarily blocks new restrictions on food stamp eligibility.
Appeals Court Upholds Lower Court Decision
The appeals panel’s ruling means that, at least for now, the federal government must continue distributing SNAP benefits under the preexisting regulations. The denial is a significant setback for the administration, which had sought an emergency stay to enforce a rule aimed at reducing the number of people eligible for assistance.
Lower Court’s Injunction Protects Millions
The case originated from a decision by U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr., who issued an injunction preventing the Department of Agriculture from implementing its 2023 regulation. That rule, if enacted, was projected to remove around 700,000 individuals from SNAP rolls and lower benefits for millions more households. Judge John McConnell Jr. order required the continuation of full benefits, citing concerns that the rule change could cause irreparable harm to vulnerable populations.
Administration Takes Case to Supreme Court
In response to the appeals court’s refusal, the Trump administration has escalated the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Justice Department filed an emergency request asking the justices to temporarily halt the lower court’s injunction while the broader legal appeal proceeds. If granted, the stay could interrupt the current distribution of benefits and reinstate the new regulation before the case is fully heard.
USDA Continues November Payments
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the SNAP program, has confirmed that full November benefits are being issued to eligible recipients nationwide. The department stated that it is complying with the existing court orders while monitoring further developments from the Supreme Court. The upcoming decision from the justices will likely influence how benefits are calculated and distributed in December and beyond.
Background on the Disputed Rule
The 2023 rule at the center of the dispute sought to modify how utility expenses-such as heating and electricity-are factored into benefit calculations. According to critics, the adjustment would have disproportionately affected low-income families, particularly in colder regions, by reducing their overall benefit amounts or disqualifying them entirely. A coalition of advocacy groups and affected individuals filed suit, arguing that the rule violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to adequately assess its real-world impact.
Broader Implications
The outcome of the case carries national significance, as it could reshape how federal nutrition assistance is administered. Advocates for low-income households warn that any reduction in SNAP support would deepen food insecurity at a time when inflation and housing costs remain high. Supporters of the administration’s proposal argue that the rule promotes fiscal responsibility and prevents misuse of benefits.
For now, millions of Americans relying on food assistance will continue receiving their full allotments as the legal battle heads to the Supreme Court. The justices are expected to decide soon whether to grant the administration’s emergency request or allow the lower court’s injunction to remain in place while the case continues.
