The Trump administration is facing backlash after the USDA ordered states to retract SNAP benefits that were distributed following favorable court rulings in the ongoing legal disputes regarding the anti-hunger program. This move comes after a Supreme Court stay on previous rulings which had authorized full benefits despite the current government shutdown affecting many federal programs.
States are bracing for catastrophic operational disruptions as they try to navigate the abrupt directive. Officials warn that this requirement puts immense stress on both state budgets and the families relying on these benefits, representing 42 million Americans who need support to purchase food.
Patrick Penn, deputy undersecretary of Agriculture, addressed state SNAP directors stating that payments made under previous court orders were now considered unauthorized. He emphasized compliance with the new directive is essential, as penalties could be imposed for non-compliance.
Republican Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski described the directive as shocking, especially for states that funded SNAP benefits independently of federal resources. It’s one thing if the federal government is going to continue its level of appeal to say, no, this can’t be done, she stated. But when you are telling the states that have gone out of their way to help residents during this crisis, they shouldn’t be penalized for utilizing their own resources.\
Opposition from state governors continues to grow. Massachusetts’ Democratic Governor Maura Healey asserted that benefits had been legally processed and placed on EBT cards prior to the Supreme Court's intervention. If Trump attempts to claw back the money, we will see him in court, she vowed.
Furthermore, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers reported that approximately 700,000 individuals had already received benefits due to a court ruling, yet now face the threat of losing food support. Governor Evers firmly rejected the federal directive, affirming that his state acted legally in response to official orders.
Democratic leaders across various states are urging swift action to prevent a wave of food insecurity that could emerge from potential SNAP disruptions. Meanwhile, advocates for low-income households stress the critical importance of maintaining SNAP support during this especially challenging time as the nation navigates not only a government shutdown but also escalating hunger issues.
