WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it may begin withholding federal SNAP food assistance from most Democratic-led states next week unless those states provide detailed information on program recipients, including names and immigration status.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told Cabinet officials that several states have refused to turn over the data sought by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which she said is necessary to investigate and prevent fraud within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Democratic officials argue the request is unprecedented, violates privacy protections, and exceeds federal authority.
Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia have already sued to block the requirement. A federal judge in San Francisco previously issued an order temporarily preventing the administration from collecting the data.
States Push Back on Threat to Cut Benefits
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office questioned whether the administration will follow through. “Cutting programs that feed American children is morally repugnant,” spokesperson Marissa Saldivar said, adding that the state would wait to “see what they actually do.”
The USDA last week sent states a letter stating it was time to comply, noting that many states have already shared their data. All parties agreed to give states until Dec. 8 to respond.
Rollins said 29 states have provided the information, while 21 have not—though 22 are challenging the directive in court. Kansas, which is not part of the lawsuit, also declined to share data and was warned in September that its SNAP funding could be cut.
Administration Cites Fraud Concerns
Rollins told officials Tuesday that information from states that have complied shows significant irregularities, including 186,000 deceased individuals allegedly receiving SNAP benefits and 500,000 people receiving benefits more than once.
She argued the data is essential to ensuring program integrity.
“We want to make sure those who really need food stamps are getting them,” she said, “and that taxpayers are protected.”
The USDA has not released detailed evidence supporting the numbers, nor data showing how much money may have been improperly distributed.
Experts note that while fraud exists in the $100 billion-per-year program, the largest losses typically stem from organized schemes that steal or duplicate benefit cards—not from individual recipients misrepresenting eligibility.
Democrats Accuse Administration of Politically Motivated Pressure
Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized the threat.
Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut said the administration is portraying beneficiaries unfairly while trying to enact policy changes without congressional oversight.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s spokesperson accused the administration of using essential programs as leverage. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul questioned why the administration was “so hellbent on people going hungry.”
SNAP Already Under Increased Scrutiny
SNAP typically avoids major political battles, but the program has drawn attention throughout the year. Earlier legislation backed by Trump expanded work requirements to include older adults, homeless individuals, and others.
During the recent federal government shutdown, SNAP funding for November was uncertain until the government reopened. Some states advanced their own funds and boosted support for food banks in anticipation of potential delays.
Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, which average $190 per person per month.
The dispute over state data and the administration’s next steps are expected to intensify as the Dec. 8 response deadline approaches.
