URGENT UPDATE: The USDA has just announced a sweeping review of all food assistance programs, aiming to ensure that only American citizens receive benefits. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed this initiative will specifically target illegal immigrants within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
Secretary Rollins stated on social media, “At @POTUS’ direction, we will be reviewing ALL @USDA PROGRAMS to ensure only legal citizens are receiving benefits.” This move comes as part of a broader effort to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in federal assistance programs, a significant concern highlighted by the USDA amidst rising allegations of fraudulent claims.
Earlier this year, the USDA put states on notice, clarifying that illegal immigrants and certain non-citizens are ineligible for SNAP benefits. Despite resistance from 22 blue states that have failed to provide necessary recipient data, Rollins emphasized the need for compliance. “WHAT are they hiding? WHO are they hiding?” she questioned, thanking President Trump for prioritizing American citizens first.
In a recent appearance on “The Ingraham Angle,” Rollins pointed out shocking statistics, revealing that more than 186,000 deceased individuals were still receiving assistance. She underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “Can you imagine what we’ll find when we obtain the blue state data?”
The USDA is also implementing new rules that will impact SNAP eligibility. Starting this week, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act takes effect, increasing the qualifying work requirement age from 54 to 64. Recipients will need to engage in qualifying work or activities for at least 80 hours a month to maintain their benefits when they reapply. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this change could remove approximately 2.4 million people from SNAP rolls over the next decade.
Rollins has stated that the recent debates surrounding SNAP during the government shutdown have provided an opportunity to “completely deconstruct the program.” In an interview with Fox Business, she reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that vulnerable Americans who genuinely need assistance will receive it, while also rooting out fraudsters abusing the system.
As states struggle to comply with these stringent new requirements, the USDA is relying on standard recertification processes to identify and eliminate fraudulent claims. A USDA representative reiterated Rollins’ focus, stating, “Secretary Rollins wants to ensure the fraud, waste, and incessant abuse of SNAP ends.”
The implications of this review are significant. With the USDA’s push to tighten regulations, many families may face increased scrutiny regarding their eligibility for food assistance, leading to potential reductions in support for those who genuinely rely on it.
As the USDA moves forward with this initiative, expect continued developments and updates regarding compliance from states and the impact of these changes on American families. The focus remains on ensuring that resources are directed toward those in need while safeguarding taxpayer dollars from exploitation.
This situation is evolving rapidly, and the ramifications could reshape the landscape of food assistance programs across the country. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue.
