Post by : Meena
Hassan
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has issued a stark warning that federal SNAP funding could be revoked for 21 Democratic-led states if they do not comply with data-sharing requests regarding food assistance recipients.
During the concluding cabinet meeting of the year, Rollins stressed that requests for sensitive information—such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses—seek to address fraud and safeguard taxpayer interests. She claimed that opposition from states like California, New York, and Minnesota is driven by political agendas.
“Twenty-nine states have complied — predominantly red states,” Rollins stated. “However, 21 blue states continue to resist. As of next week, federal funds will cease for those that do not comply.”
Legal battles have already halted the administration’s request for data. Courts in California have issued temporary restraining orders, citing privacy and mass surveillance concerns. State Attorney General Rob Bonta labeled the initiative “a hijacking of a nutrition program to fuel mass surveillance.”
Democratic leaders have condemned the announcement, suggesting it weaponizes food security. Members of the House Agriculture Committee declared, “SNAP has one of the lowest fraud rates in federal programs, yet Trump continues to weaponize hunger.”
Rollins defended the push via social media, asserting, “NO DATA, NO MONEY,” alleging—without evidence—that states are enabling “bribery schemes.”
The USDA has threatened to suspend SNAP benefits during government shutdowns in the past, but courts have stepped in to restore funding. Critics argue that the administration is utilizing food assistance as leverage against Democratic lawmakers during budget negotiations.
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