Whew, Roommates! The Trump Administration is taking its ongoing tussle with SNAP benefits to a whole new level. According to The Washington Post, the administration now plans to block Democratic-led states from receiving SNAP food assistance, reportedly as soon as next week— but there is one key factor that could possibly stop that from happening.
RELATED: Trump Administration To Require All SNAP Recipients To Reapply For Benefits (UPDATE)
Here’s Why The Trump Administration Plans To Block SNAP Benefits In Blue States
The Trump Administration warned several Democratic-led states that it would suspend SNAP Food assistance unless they hand over recipient data to the federal government. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA could start blocking funds as early as next week if Democratic states refuse to provide immigration status and Social Security numbers. She said the cabinet needed each state’s data to help catch fraud, make sure food stamps reach the people who truly need them, and protect the American taxpayer.
A USDA spokesperson further explained that the agency wants to “scrub all available information to end indiscriminate welfare fraud.” The federal agency added that 28 states and Guam have joined the effort, but states like California, New York, and Minnesota — along with 19 other blue states are still fighting against it.
“We have sent Democrat States yet another request for data, and if they fail to comply, they will be provided with formal warning that USDA will pull their administrative funds,” the USDA explained.
States that refuse to submit constituent data risk losing millions in federal funding for the program, which could determine their ability to run SNAP and potentially force them to remove beneficiaries from the program.
Democratic Senators Weigh In On Food Aid Database
In July, over a dozen Democratic senators sent a letter to Rollins, calling the administration’s attempt to create a database on federal food aid recipients an “unlawful privacy violation.” Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee also accused Trump and Rollins of illegally threatening to withhold federal dollars. SNAP already has one of the lowest fraud rates of any government program, but Democrats say Trump “continues to weaponize hunger.”
Social Media Users React To SNAP Update Controversy
After TSR shared the update from the administration, folks flooded the comment section, saying holding food from those in need is straight-up nasty. See some more reactions below.
Instagram user @bigbossvette wrote, “The way he’s weaponizing food is insane.”
Instagram user @li.monet__ wrote, “And y’all thought a woman couldn’t do better than this…”
While Instagram user @_britannie wrote, “Always an attack on the less fortunate, like be fr.”
Then Instagram user @__juicyjayyy__ wrote, “Holding food benefits to get your way is nasty work.”
Another Instagram user, @thekingkianna, wrote, “Forcing pro-life and then not making sure our kids stay fed is diabolical.”
Instagram user @preeconsuelaa wrote, “Everyday Americans stay caught in the crossfire while politicians do power plays. Exhausting.”
Then another Instagram user @_kevfields wrote, “And they were worried about Kamala Harris.”
Lastly, Instagram user @_reeda__ wrote, “He always throwing a tantrum 🙄🙄”
