The Trump administration announced on Tuesday plans to start withholding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from recipients in most Democratic-led states beginning next week. This decision comes after these states failed to comply with requests from the Agriculture Department for sensitive data, including the names and immigration statuses of beneficiaries.
During a Cabinet meeting, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that while 29 Republican-led states have provided the requested information, 21 states, including major populations like California, New York, and Minnesota, have opted not to share this data, which was initially requested back in February. The Agriculture Department claims that this data is essential in combatting fraud within the program. Rollins emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, saying, “We have begun and will begin to stop moving federal funds into those states, until they comply.”
In the U.S., nearly 42 million people rely on SNAP for food assistance, making the program critical for many citizens. The announcement faced immediate backlash, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul questioning the motives behind the decision on social media: “Genuine question: Why is the Trump Administration so hellbent on people going hungry?”
Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison criticized the administration’s move as politically motivated, describing it as an attempt to “punish … political rivals.” Ellison argued that the request for data is an infringement on privacy, particularly following a legal battle brought forth by 21 states and the District of Columbia, who sought to block the data requirement. The attorneys general claimed it was part of a broader agenda by the Trump administration to gather sensitive personal information for unauthorized use.
In October, a federal judge in San Francisco issued a preliminary injunction preventing the administration from withholding federal SNAP funding from states that decline to provide the requested data. This ruling has provided some legal backing to the states’ position, although the Agriculture Department retains the option to appeal until December 15.
The backdrop of this situation is significant, as funding for SNAP lapsed last month during a prolonged government shutdown, resulting in hardships for many beneficiaries. Although the shutdown ended on November 12, leaving many to navigate the complexities of federal assistance, this latest move may create further uncertainty for those who rely on SNAP during challenging economic times. While the legal landscape continues to unfold, advocates for food security hope that any future actions taken will prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations.