On December 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared it would begin withholding federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in more than 20 states governed by Democratic leaders. This action follows a request from the Trump administration for sensitive personal information about SNAP recipients, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and home addresses. While 28 states, primarily under Republican control, have complied with this request, a coalition of Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia has refused, citing concerns over potential misuse of the data for purposes beyond food assistance, such as immigration enforcement.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins stated that the withholding of funds aims to address fraud and protect taxpayer interests. However, the coalition of states contends that the federal government's demand infringes upon privacy laws. This situation is further complicated by ongoing litigation, where a federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the administration from penalizing states for non-compliance with the data request. The recent government shutdown has also delayed the resolution of these legal issues.

The USDA's actions could significantly impact over 20 million beneficiaries who rely on SNAP for food assistance. The agency has indicated it will issue formal warnings to states that do not comply with the data request, complicating the landscape of food assistance amid significant policy shifts under the Trump administration.

In a related development, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst has introduced legislation aimed at closing a federal loophole that allows low-income Americans to use SNAP benefits for quick-service meals. This proposal specifically targets the Restaurant Meals Program, which operates in nine states and permits SNAP recipients to purchase prepared foods at participating restaurants. Originally designed to assist elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals who struggle with cooking or food storage, the program has expanded to include major fast-food chains.

Critics argue that this program diverges from SNAP's primary goal of promoting balanced diets through grocery purchases. Supporters of the reform highlight data indicating that hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent on fast food rather than fresh produce, with Ernst's office reporting over $500 million spent on fast food in just two years, predominantly in California.

The proposed bill, known as the McSCUSE ME Act, would effectively prohibit the use of SNAP benefits at fast-food establishments unless states receive specific federal approval for such expansions. While Ernst's claims regarding spending levels align with USDA records, opponents of the bill argue that these meals are vital for vulnerable populations who face significant barriers to accessing food. The proposal raises concerns about wasteful spending but may overlook the necessity of providing food options for individuals without access to kitchen facilities.