James Stops Trump’s SNAP Data Grab

New York Attorney General Letitia James scored a decisive victory against the Trump administration’s illegal bid to seize sensitive data of millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. In a lawsuit led by AG James and 20 other state attorneys general, the District Court for the Northern District of California issued a temporary restraining order, halting the White House’s demand that states surrender personal information of all SNAP beneficiaries.

The lawsuit claimed the data, including addresses, Social Security numbers, locations, and immigration statuses, was at risk of being misused by federal agencies for immigration enforcement, a clear violation of law. AG James emphasized the importance of this victory for millions of vulnerable individuals who rely on SNAP to feed their families.

Since January 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been requesting states provide personally identifying information of all SNAP applicants and recipients. Refusing to comply could result in funding cuts for the SNAP program, forcing states into a no-win situation. Approximately 1.7 million New York households participate in SNAP, with nearly one million being children.

The court’s order not only blocks the USDA from demanding this information but also prevents it from withholding vital SNAP funds. AG James and her coalition include attorneys general from 21 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Kentucky.

This is a significant win for privacy rights and the integrity of food assistance programs, ensuring that New York families can receive the support they need without fear of their data being exploited.