by Phoenix, AZ — The Trump administration announced on Tuesday plans to withhold SNAP food assistance from recipients in most Democratic-controlled states, including Arizona, starting next week unless the states provide requested data on program participants.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated during a Cabinet meeting that the action is necessary because certain states have refused to share information, including names and immigration status, to help the federal government detect potential fraud. Democratic-led states have filed lawsuits to block the data requests.
Legal Battle Over Privacy and Federal Overreach
Twenty-two states, along with the District of Columbia, previously sued over the federal data request, which was initially made in February. A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily blocked the administration from collecting this information.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office highlighted privacy concerns, saying that sharing personal data could allow it to be “shared across federal agencies and used for immigration enforcement,” which the state argues is illegal.
Attorney General Kris Mayes praised the court’s ruling, stating:
“I’m glad I was able to help put a stop to this obviously illegal and harmful attempt to scrape up the protected personal data of Arizona residents who receive SNAP benefits. In case after case that we’ve filed to stop the federal government’s overreach, the courts are siding with us.”
The state’s office declined further comment due to ongoing litigation. The federal government has given states until Dec. 8 to respond to the data request.
SNAP Program Overview
Approximately 42 million Americans, or 1 in 8, rely on SNAP benefits to purchase groceries. The average monthly benefit is about $190 per person, roughly $6 a day.
Rollins cited data from the 28 cooperating states showing that 186,000 deceased individuals continue to receive benefits and 500,000 people receive duplicate benefits. She emphasized that providing the information would help ensure that aid reaches those who truly need it while protecting taxpayer funds.
Experts, however, note that while fraud exists, it is typically perpetrated by organized crime, not individual beneficiaries.
Political Reactions and Controversy
U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) criticized the administration, saying Rollins’ approach lacked transparency and congressional oversight:
“Individuals who are just trying to buy food, those aren’t the ones who aren’t gaming the system in the way that the administration is trying to portray.”
Democratic officials in Arizona and other states condemned the move:
- Claire Lancaster, spokesperson for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, said:
“The Governor wishes President Trump would be a president for all Americans rather than taking out his political vendettas on the people who need these benefits the most.”
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul tweeted:
“Genuine question: Why is the Trump Administration so hellbent on people going hungry?”
SNAP in the National Spotlight
The SNAP program has become a political flashpoint this year. Recent changes include expanded work requirements for those aged 55–64, homeless individuals, and others. During the recent federal government shutdown, there was a temporary threat of non-funding for November benefits, prompting some states to supplement assistance and increase support for food banks.
What Do You Think?
Do you live in a state affected by this dispute over SNAP benefits? How do you feel about the federal government’s approach to data collection and aid distribution? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below — your voice matters!
