Trump Admin Orders States to Reverse SNAP Benefit Payments for November

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a directive to states late Saturday, instructing them to "immediately undo" any actions taken to provide full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025. According to the directive, states that had sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025 were acting without authorization. The directive follows an administrative stay granted by the U.S. Supreme Court late Friday, temporarily blocking a lower court order that had ordered the Trump administration to pay SNAP benefits in full for November 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated in a release that states must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025 and advise the appropriate FNS Regional Office representative of the corrective actions taken. In response to the directive, a spokesperson for the National Association of State Directors of Food, Nutrition, and Human Services stated, "We are reviewing the directive and will work with our state members to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined by the USDA." The spokesperson emphasized that the association would continue to advocate for the needs of low-income families and individuals who rely on SNAP benefits. The Trump administration's decision to instruct states to undo their actions to provide full SNAP benefits has sparked concerns among advocates for low-income families. "This directive is a setback for families who are already struggling to make ends meet," said a spokesperson for the Food Research & Action Center, a nonprofit organization that advocates for policies to reduce hunger and poverty. "We urge the administration to reconsider its decision and ensure that families receive the support they need to access nutritious food." The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase food. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is funded through a combination of federal and state funds. In recent months, the program has been the subject of controversy, with some lawmakers and advocacy groups pushing for changes to the program's eligibility requirements and funding levels. The current status of the SNAP program remains uncertain, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's directive instructing states to undo their actions to provide full benefits for November 2025. The U.S. Supreme Court's administrative stay is set to remain in place until further notice, and it is unclear when the lower court order will be reinstated. As the situation continues to unfold, advocates for low-income families and individuals will be closely monitoring the developments and advocating for the needs of those who rely on SNAP benefits.