The Supreme Court on Tuesday dealt a significant setback to the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to reallocate federal funds amid a deepening partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, blocking an executive proposal that would have slashed billions from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs and veterans’ benefits to redirect resources toward DHS operations.

The unsigned order, issued by the justices without full opinions released immediately, halted implementation of what administration officials described as a temporary “reprogramming” of mandatory spending authority. The move, announced last week by the White House Office of Management and Budget, sought to shift an estimated $15–20 billion from entitlement programs administered by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs into DHS accounts to cover payroll, border enforcement activities, and other essential functions during the funding lapse that began in mid-February.

Writing for a 6-3 majority, the court emphasized that the president’s authority to redirect congressionally appropriated funds has clear constitutional and statutory limits. “While the executive branch possesses some flexibility in managing appropriated dollars, it may not unilaterally override the will of Congress by raiding dedicated entitlement programs designed to protect the nation’s most vulnerable populations and those who have served in uniform,” the order stated, citing precedents including Train v. City of New York (1975) and more recent cases involving impoundment-like actions.

The decision came after a rapid lower-court challenge filed by a coalition of states led by New York and California, along with advocacy groups representing disability rights and veterans’ organizations. Plaintiffs argued that the proposal violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 and the separation of powers, as SSI and VA benefits are mandatory spending not subject to annual appropriations. A federal judge in Manhattan had issued a temporary restraining order days earlier, prompting the administration’s emergency appeal directly to the Supreme Court.

The ruling arrives as the partial DHS shutdown—now in its second week—continues to disrupt operations across the sprawling department. Funding for Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Transportation Security Administration, and other components lapsed after Congress failed to pass a full-year appropriations bill. Democrats in the Senate have conditioned support on restrictions to immigration enforcement tactics, including limits on mass deportations and requirements for greater oversight following reported incidents involving federal agents. Republicans, holding slim majorities in both chambers, have accused opponents of playing politics with national security.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the Supreme Court’s intervention “a disappointing overreach by activist judges” and vowed the administration would explore alternative avenues to secure DHS resources. “President Trump remains committed to securing our borders and protecting Americans, even as Congress refuses to act responsibly,” she said in a statement. Administration officials have previously signaled they might rely on existing reconciliation funds from last year’s budget deals—billions already allocated for border wall construction and deportation efforts—or declare additional emergencies to access Defense Department resources.

Critics, however, hailed the ruling as a vital check on executive overreach. “This proposal would have forced disabled Americans and veterans to subsidize a political crisis of the administration’s own making,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “SSI provides lifeline support to millions who cannot work due to severe disabilities, while veterans’ benefits honor our nation’s promise to those who served. Redirecting those funds is not fiscal creativity—it’s a betrayal.”

SSI, which serves more than 7 million low-income individuals with disabilities or elderly recipients, and VA disability compensation, aiding over 5 million veterans, are politically sensitive programs with broad bipartisan support. Advocates warned that even short-term cuts could trigger immediate hardships, including delayed payments, lost access to housing assistance, and increased reliance on strained state resources.

The shutdown’s ripple effects have already strained other parts of government. While core entitlement payments like Social Security and VA benefits continue uninterrupted—protected by mandatory funding—non-essential DHS functions face furloughs and reduced operations. Airport security lines have lengthened in some locations due to TSA staffing shortages, and disaster response capabilities through FEMA remain hampered, raising concerns ahead of potential spring weather events.

Congressional leaders from both parties expressed hope that the ruling might spur renewed negotiations. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated willingness to consider standalone bills funding specific DHS components, such as TSA or FEMA, to mitigate public impacts while broader talks continue. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) echoed the sentiment but insisted any deal must not “tie the hands” of immigration enforcers.

Legal analysts expect the administration to return to Congress with revised budget requests or push for emergency supplemental funding. The Supreme Court’s order leaves open the possibility of future challenges if the executive pursues similar reallocations through other mechanisms.

For now, the decision preserves the status quo on entitlement spending, underscoring the limits of presidential power in an era of divided government and fiscal brinkmanship. As the shutdown drags on, millions of Americans—from travelers to veterans to families relying on disability support—await resolution, with the stakes extending far beyond Washington.