California Leads 22-State Lawsuit Challenging USDA SNAP Data Demand

California, led by Attorney General Rob Bonta, is spearheading a coalition of 22 states and Washington, D.C., in suing the Trump administration over the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) demand for extensive personal data of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The USDA's request includes sensitive information such as names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and benefit amounts dating back five years, threatening to withhold federal funding from states that do not comply. The lawsuit argues that the data collection exceeds USDA authority, violates multiple federal privacy laws and the U.S. Constitution, and is part of a broader federal effort to create a surveillance system that could facilitate mass deportation efforts. California and other states contend that the USDA's actions instill fear in vulnerable communities, potentially deterring eligible individuals from applying for essential food assistance. The coalition emphasizes that SNAP applicants provide their information under the assurance it will not be used for unrelated purposes, and they criticize the administration for weaponizing private data under the guise of preventing fraud. This legal challenge marks California's 35th lawsuit against the Trump administration in 27 weeks, reflecting ongoing resistance to federal policies perceived as overreach and harmful to immigrant and low-income populations.