Breaking News: Trump Management Threatens SNAP Funding to States Refusing Data Sharing, Potentially Impacting Oregonians
A showdown is brewing between the Trump administration and at least 23 Democratic-led states, including Oregon, over access to personal information of SNAP (supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated Tuesday that federal funding for the program will be cut off to any state that doesn’t share data including names, immigration status, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. Federal officials claim the data is needed to prevent fraud and restrict benefits to certain immigrants.
however, many blue states argue the federal government is not entitled to this information and fear it will be used to target immigrant communities. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek‘s office did not respond to requests for comment tuesday afternoon regarding next steps.
The dispute stems from the “One Big Stunning Bill Act,” passed by Congress in July, which tightens eligibility requirements for federal food assistance, especially for immigrants. Oregon and other states filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s demands for personal data and attempts to cut benefits from legal immigrants they believe are eligible. A judge granted the states a temporary reprieve in September, pausing the requirement to share SNAP recipient data.
This conflict unfolds as many Oregonians are still recovering from a recent nationwide freeze to SNAP benefits that began November 1st. State officials worked to restore the funds within six days. Currently, Oregon SNAP recipients receive an average of $7.90 to $10 per person per day for food, tho individual amounts vary based on income.
The timing of potential benefit cuts remains unclear, as Oregon distributes SNAP benefits during the first nine days of each month. December’s benefits began rolling out monday and will continue through next Tuesday. The administration’s success in securing the data could lead to a cessation of benefits in the future.
