The Supreme Court on Friday let the Trump administration continue withholding some SNAP funds, after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson paused a Rhode Island judge’s order requiring full payments. An appeals court now weighs whether to keep the stay. A rapid-fire shutdown-era timeline shows shifting guidance, dueling lawsuits, and rulings that first demanded emergency money be used, then full benefits by Nov. 7. The administration opted for partial, warned delays, and some families saw no aid. States scrambled amid conflicting directives, and in late-night guidance the administration told them to undo full-payment plans or face financial penalties.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.