A federal court on Wednesday blocked the Trump Administration’s attempt to require states to undo steps to facilitate payment of full food assistance benefits.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted a motion for a temporary restraining order brought by a multistate coalition co-led by California in an effort to have 
Supplemental Nutrition Association Program, or SNAP, benefits issued.

The decision blocks the Trump administration from enforcing the directive by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that states must “immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025” or face severe penalties. 

“The court’s ruling confirms that the Trump Administration cannot force states to undo the steps they took to ensure that their most vulnerable residents could receive full SNAP benefits, consistent with a court order and with USDA’s prior guidance,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

“Instead of paying full SNAP benefits, as a court ordered, the administration has fought that court order tooth and nail and threatened to penalize the states that took actions to help the Administration comply with the order. Once again, California refuses to be bullied by this Administration,” Bonta said.