25 States Sue Trump Administration Over SNAP Benefit Suspension Amid Government Shutdown
Twenty-five states and D.C. are suing the Trump administration over the suspension of SNAP food benefits for 40-42 million Americans, seeking emergency funds amid the shutdown.
Overview
- Federal SNAP benefits for approximately 40-42 million low-income Americans will not be issued on November 1, directly impacting families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
- This suspension stems from the ongoing government shutdown, which began October 1, and the Trump administration's refusal to use available contingency funds for regular benefits.
- A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia, led by Democratic officials, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration and the USDA.
- The lawsuit aims to compel the Department of Agriculture to release November SNAP benefits and tap into an estimated $6 billion in emergency contingency funds.
- States argue the USDA's refusal violates appropriations law, as food banks prepare for increased demand and other programs like Head Start and WIC face imminent funding cuts.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the severe, unprecedented impact of the SNAP suspension, particularly the potential for "widespread hunger." They highlight the states' legal challenge and the USDA's shifting stance on contingency funds, subtly questioning the department's justifications. This approach underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation for millions of Americans.
"As November looms, states are trying to sort what options they can offer beneficiaries to fill the gap in food assistance."
NPR"A halt to SNAP benefits would leave a gaping hole in the country's safety net."
ABC News"Funding has nearly run dry for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving millions of Americans without food assistance come November because of the ongoing government shutdown."
USA TODAY"Shutdown may lead to SNAP benefit delays."
USA TODAY"Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide."
CBS News"A halt to SNAP benefits would leave a gaping hole in the country’s safety net."
Associated Press"If SNAP benefits are suspended, it would be the first time in the program’s 60-year history that the federal government stopped issuing them during a shutdown."
NBC News"The federal government shutdown is nearing the one-month mark, causing widespread effects for millions of Americans."
ABC News"The lawsuit argues suspending SNAP benefits is avoidable, arbitrary and is being carried out in violation of the Food and Nutrition Act, which requires that “assistance under this program shall be furnished to all eligible households."
USA TODAY"Food banks and pantries were already struggling after federal program cuts this year, but now they're bracing for a tsunami of hungry people if a pause in federal food aid to low-income people kicks in this weekend as the federal government shutdown persists."
ABC News"About 42 million Americans would lose their SNAP benefits."
USA TODAY"Millions of low-income families are left scrambling for food as SNAP benefits will not be distributed on Nov. 1 due to a lack of funding during the ongoing government shutdown."
USA TODAY"A critical food assistance program will soon halt for millions of Americans in need and air traffic controllers will miss a paycheck this week as the government shutdown enters its fourth week -- with all eyes on congressional lawmakers to see if the added pressure will be enough to push them to strike a deal."
ABC News"The prospect of families not receiving food aid has deeply concerned states run by both parties."
Fortune"The prospect of families not receiving food aid has deeply concerned states run by both parties."
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FAQ
SNAP benefits are being suspended because the federal government shutdown, which began October 1, 2025, has halted annual appropriations, preventing the U.S. Department of Agriculture from issuing new funds for SNAP. The suspension of November benefits is a direct result of the ongoing budget impasse in Congress, which has not passed necessary funding legislation[1]. States and recipients may use existing funds on EBT cards until October 31, but the ability to access benefits after that date is uncertain[1].
The lawsuit argues that the USDA's refusal to provide November SNAP benefits violates federal appropriations law, specifically because the department is not tapping into approximately $6 billion in available emergency contingency funds. The states claim this violates both the letter and intent of the law by withholding essential food assistance during the shutdown.
The suspension is expected to create a surge in demand at food banks, which will be called upon to help fill the gap for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP for food assistance. Additionally, programs like Head Start and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), which are also federally funded, may face imminent funding cuts as a result of the shutdown.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to carefully budget their remaining benefits and seek assistance from local resources such as food banks, pantries, and community organizations. Official guidance recommends locking EBT cards to prevent fraud and using local assistance directories for emergency food access[1].
SNAP benefits can only be restored once Congress passes a budget resolution or continuing resolution to fund the federal government. Until then, the USDA cannot issue new SNAP funds, and the suspension will remain in effect.
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