One judge said the Trump administration would likely fail in its arguments attempting to avoid paying for SNAP.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — more commonly known as SNAP, or food stamps — is a key benefits program that serves more than 40 million people across the country. Now, the shutdown is threatening to suspend benefits, raising concerns over where millions of people who rely on the program will turn to for food.

An average of 41.7 million people, or 12.3 % of the U.S. population, received SNAP benefits each month in Fiscal Year 2024, according to the USDA. October 2025 reports indicate that about 42 million Americans participate in SNAP monthly.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explains why the USDA lacks authority to fund SNAP independently as benefits expire Nov. 1 for more than 40 million Americans.