Massachusetts Governor Challenges Trump Administration Over SNAP Benefits

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has announced her intention to challenge the Trump Administration’s recent directive concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). On November 8, 2025, the state issued full benefits to all eligible households, a move that has drawn scrutiny following a Supreme Court decision that temporarily blocks a lower court’s order requiring full funding of SNAP.

Several states, including New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, have also opted to issue full SNAP benefits despite the legal uncertainties. The Supreme Court’s action came in response to an emergency appeal from the Trump Administration, which sought to halt a ruling by U.S. District Judge John McConnell from Rhode Island. This ruling mandated full funding for SNAP, which is crucial for many families relying on food assistance.

On the same day as the benefits were issued, a memo from Patrick Penn, Deputy Under Secretary of the USDA, directed states to retract the full benefit issuances. The memo stated that states should not transmit full benefit files to Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) processors and must revert to processing partial files that reflect a 35 percent reduction in maximum allotments. The guidance stipulated that any unauthorized full benefit payments must be corrected immediately to avoid penalties.

In response to the USDA’s directive, Governor Healey’s office issued a statement on November 9. “If President Trump wants to penalize states for preventing Americans from going hungry, we will see him in court,” the statement read. Healey emphasized that Massachusetts residents should continue to utilize the funds on their EBT cards, clarifying that these funds were processed according to the guidance provided by the Trump Administration and a lower court order prior to the Supreme Court’s intervention.

Healey further criticized President Trump, urging him to focus on reopening the government rather than attempting to take food assistance away from American families. She affirmed her commitment to working with Attorney General Campbell to ensure that all eligible residents receive the full benefits they are entitled to under the SNAP program.

As legal battles loom over the SNAP benefits, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between state governments and federal authorities regarding food assistance programs. The implications of these developments may significantly impact the lives of millions of Americans who depend on SNAP for their nutritional needs.