After the Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s emergency appeal, a lower court order requiring full SNAP payments during the shutdown is on hold, leaving millions who rely on food aid in limbo. The administration plans partial benefits from limited contingency funds, arguing courts cannot force it to spend more. Democrats, fresh off strong election gains, accuse Trump of weaponizing hunger, while officials blame Democrats for refusing to reopen the government. Confusion has followed: some states paid full November benefits, others may not see payments until next week.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.