James Sues Trump Admin Over SNAP Data Grab

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today launched a legal assault against a brazen attempt by the Trump administration to hoover up the personal data of over 40 million Americans relying on food assistance. James, alongside 20 other attorneys general and the state of Kentucky, filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, accusing the administration of a flagrant disregard for privacy rights and potential misuse of sensitive information.

The lawsuit centers on a recent demand from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that states hand over personally identifying information – names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers – of all SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applicants and recipients dating back to January 2020. The USDA isn’t asking nicely; they’re threatening to slash vital SNAP funding to states that refuse to comply. This puts states in a brutal bind: violate federal law protecting SNAP recipient data, or risk losing millions in food assistance funds.

Attorney General James isn’t buying it. “Families should be able to get the food assistance they need without fearing that they will be targeted by this administration,” James stated bluntly. “I will not allow the SNAP benefits that millions of New Yorkers count on to be put at risk. We are suing today to stop this illegal policy and protect New Yorkers’ privacy and access to food assistance.” The coalition argues the administration intends to weaponize this data for immigration enforcement, a clear violation of both federal and state laws.

This isn’t a sudden overreach. The lawsuit points to a March executive order signed by the president mandating data sharing across federal agencies, signaling a broader campaign to access and exploit Americans’ private information. The administration’s actions follow a pattern of demanding access to personal data for unauthorized purposes, and the SNAP data grab is the latest, most alarming example. Over 55 percent of SNAP participants are families with children, and over 36 percent include elderly or disabled individuals – a vulnerable population now directly in the crosshairs.

In May 2025, approximately 1.7 million New York households, representing over 2.9 million individuals, relied on SNAP. Nearly one million of those were children. While non-citizens are generally ineligible for SNAP, federal law allows them to apply on behalf of their citizen children. The lawsuit argues the administration’s demands are unconstitutional and violate the Administrative Procedure Act, forcing states to break federal laws and regulations.

Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court judgment declaring the administration’s demands to share SNAP data illegal. They also want to prevent the administration from disclosing the data to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for any purpose. This case isn’t just about data; it’s about protecting vulnerable families from being unjustly targeted and ensuring access to essential food assistance remains a right, not a risk.

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