Trump Administration Moves to Cut Food Aid in Democratic States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans to suspend nutrition assistance funding for states led by Democratic governors that have not submitted requested data regarding potential fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This decision, communicated by Secretary Brooke Rollins during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, targets 22 states, which the USDA claims are non-compliant with federal data requests.

Rollins emphasized the need for transparency to address what she described as “rampant” fraud in a program that supports approximately 42 million people in their grocery purchases. While most states complied with the USDA’s earlier requests for data, 21 Democratic-led states declined to provide the necessary information. The USDA later clarified that they are missing data from 22 states, which include major populations such as California, New York, and Illinois.

“As of next week, we have begun and will begin to stop moving federal funds into those states until they comply,” Rollins stated. This statement indicates that the USDA is ready to halt administrative funding if states fail to partner in addressing fraud concerns. The USDA identified a total of 28 states and one territory that had submitted the required data, leaving the aforementioned 22 states at risk of funding cuts.

The USDA’s actions are framed as necessary to protect taxpayer dollars, with the department accusing Democratic states of prioritizing “bad actors, including criminals and immigrants without legal status,” over the integrity of taxpayer funds. A USDA spokesperson reiterated that a formal warning would be issued to states that do not comply, following a new request for data sent on November 28, 2025, demanding a response within seven days.

Democratic leaders have strongly criticized these measures, with members of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee calling the threat to withhold funding illegal. The committee’s official social media account stated,

“Yet again, Trump and Rollins are illegally threatening to withhold federal dollars.”

Lead Democrat Angie Craig from Minnesota accused the administration of “weaponizing hunger,” claiming that Rollins spreads misinformation about the program’s integrity.

Concerns regarding the legitimacy of the USDA’s authority to block funding have also surfaced. Congress appropriates SNAP funding, which the federal government fully finances while sharing administrative costs with the states. A USDA spokesperson did not clarify the legal foundation for the proposed funding cuts.

Data on SNAP fraud provided by the USDA reveals a lower-than-expected rate of fraud within the program. The USDA’s preliminary review indicates an average of $24 million in federal funds is lost daily due to fraud and errors, suggesting a potential annual savings of up to $9 billion if these issues are addressed. Despite claims of widespread fraud, a 2023 USDA report highlighted that only about 0.1% of SNAP households were referred for administrative or criminal review, indicating that intentional fraud remains rare.

The Trump administration has consistently targeted SNAP for cuts during its tenure. Previous efforts included proposals to require all recipients to reapply for benefits, which program experts deemed logistically challenging. Additionally, a recent Republican tax and spending law introduced new work requirements and restrictions on SNAP eligibility, which critics argue could lead to significant reductions in benefits.

As the USDA prepares to implement these funding cuts, the implications for millions of Americans relying on SNAP remain uncertain. The ongoing conflict between federal and state officials reflects broader political tensions surrounding social welfare programs in the United States.