USDA Reviews All Programs to Restrict Food Stamp Access

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a comprehensive review of all its programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to ensure that benefits are exclusively accessible to American citizens. This directive, issued by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, aligns with the administration’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and misuse of government assistance.

Rollins stated that the USDA is taking steps to eliminate illegal immigrants from receiving SNAP benefits. “At POTUS’ direction, we will be reviewing ALL @USDA PROGRAMS to ensure only legal citizens are receiving benefits,” she tweeted. Earlier this year, USDA officials reminded states that individuals who are not U.S. citizens or are undocumented cannot qualify for these benefits. Currently, the USDA is mandating states to provide recipient data to address issues of fraud and abuse within the program.

According to Rollins, 22 blue states have resisted providing this data, prompting her to question their transparency. “WHAT are they hiding? WHO are they hiding?” she asked in a recent broadcast. During a segment on “The Ingraham Angle,” she claimed that there is rampant fraud within the system, citing that over 186,000 deceased individuals were still receiving SNAP benefits.

As part of the USDA’s reform strategy, new eligibility requirements are being implemented. A provision from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act took effect recently, raising the qualifying age for work requirements from 54 to 64 years. Individuals seeking to maintain their benefits will need to engage in qualifying work or other activities for at least 80 hours a month. This rule will come into effect when recipients reapply or initially apply for SNAP.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this change could lead to a reduction of approximately 2.4 million beneficiaries over the next decade. Rollins has articulated that discussions surrounding SNAP during the recent government shutdown provided an opportunity to reassess the program comprehensively.

In an interview with Fox Business, Rollins asserted that upcoming changes will prioritize assistance for those who genuinely need it while simultaneously deterring fraudulent claims. “We’re going to protect the taxpayer, too,” she stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to refining the assistance system. She has expressed a desire for all SNAP recipients to undergo the reapplication process to ensure compliance with the new rules.

A USDA representative confirmed that existing recertification processes are crucial to this initiative. “Secretary Rollins wants to ensure the fraud, waste, and incessant abuse of SNAP ends,” the representative said, emphasizing that ongoing analysis of state data and regulatory adjustments will be integral to their efforts.

Despite these measures, the USDA is facing legal challenges from several states. As of now, 21 states and the District of Columbia are contesting the Trump administration’s new limitations on immigrants’ eligibility for SNAP, which has resulted in various lawsuits.

The White House has reiterated its commitment to eliminating waste and ensuring that benefits are reserved for American citizens. According to White House representative Anna Kelly, “President Trump was elected with a resounding mandate to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government.”

As the USDA continues its review, the implications for individuals reliant on SNAP will unfold, highlighting a pivotal moment in the administration’s approach to food assistance.