U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on social media Monday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will conduct a sweeping review of all its programs to ensure that only legal citizens are receiving federal benefits.
Acting at President Trump’s direction, Rollins said the agency is intensifying oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other initiatives, citing concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse. The statement underscores the administration’s broader push to tighten eligibility rules for federal aid programs.
Earlier this year, USDA issued guidance reminding states that illegal immigrants and certain categories of non-citizens are not eligible for SNAP benefits. Federal law has long excluded these groups, though lawful permanent residents, refugees, and other qualified non-citizens may participate under specific conditions.
Rollins’ post framed the reminder as part of a larger enforcement effort, signaling that the department intends to hold states accountable for compliance.
“Right now, we are requiring states turn over recipient data to fight waste, fraud, and abuse. Even though 22 blue states have refused to provide the data, we are using every tool to compel their compliance,” Rollins wrote.
Legal experts note that the administration could face challenges in compelling states to share data, raising questions about federal authority versus state autonomy.
