The Trump administration has issued a directive to states, demanding they undo SNAP benefits recently authorized by courts, after the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily paused rulings that allowed these payments. This decision jeopardizes food assistance for millions and raises concerns among states about the financial implications and potential penalties for compliance.
States had responded to favorable court rulings last week by extending essential SNAP benefits to approximately 42 million Americans. However, the Agriculture Department now warns that any payments made under prior court orders are considered unauthorized.
Democratic governors from several states, including Massachusetts and Wisconsin, have expressed outrage, stressing the critical nature of SNAP for families needing food assistance, particularly during the ongoing government shutdown.
With warnings of 'catastrophic operational disruptions' if states are forced to reclaim benefits already spent by residents, the situation remains dire. Advocates for those relying on SNAP fear that the chaotic changes might exacerbate food insecurity.
