WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has confirmed plans to begin withholding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food aid from recipients in multiple Democratic-controlled states unless these states provide detailed information about their beneficiaries. This directive, set to take effect next week, has drawn immediate reactions from state officials and advocacy groups.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins cited frustrations over the lack of data from certain states, particularly regarding the identities and immigration statuses of aid recipients, asserting that such information is crucial for eliminating fraud. However, many Democratic leaders have slammed the request as an infringement on privacy rights, emphasizing that their states already ensure eligibility verification.
California Governor Gavin Newsom's spokesperson criticized the move, stating that cutting food assistance for American families, especially children, is morally unacceptable.
Democratic governors, including Minnesota's Tim Walz and New York's Kathy Hochul, have echoed these sentiments, questioning the administration's motivations and accusing it of using vulnerable populations as political pawns.
The USDA's decision comes amidst a backdrop of growing scrutiny over SNAP, a program utilized by approximately 42 million low-income Americans, which has recently been contentious due to expanded work requirements aimed at certain demographics. Advocates argue that fraud in the program stems more from criminal enterprises than from beneficiaries themselves.
As the deadline approaches, tensions continue to escalate between state officials and the administration over this sensitive issue.
