California Leads Multi-State Legal Battle Against USDA Over SNAP Data Privacy Concerns

California, spearheaded by Attorney General Rob Bonta, is taking charge of a multi-state legal pushback against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over what is described as an “unlawful and dangerous demand” for extensive private data of individuals enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to a report by KTLA, the lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California challenges the request for names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and more, and implicates federal overreach and privacy violations.

The controversy stems from the USDA’s directive to collect personally identifying information on SNAP beneficiaries from the past five years. The federal government has indicated its willingness to possibly withhold administrative funding should states fail to comply, which could critically impact California, threatening its nearly $1 billion in annual program funding. Bonta, along with New York’s Attorney General Letitia James and others, argue the data request exceeds the USDA’s authority and breaches multiple privacy laws, as cited by California’s Office of Attorney General.

These events unfold under the Trump administration’s broader pattern of federal data collection efforts, raising concerns about the potential use of information for purposes beyond food assistance management, such as immigration enforcement. Allegations have arisen that suggest the administration’s agenda includes fabricating a network of personal data repositories sourced from agencies like the IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Amid this escalating conflict, Bonta has vocally condemned the administration’s approach, declaring, “President Trump continues to weaponize private and sensitive personal information — not to root out fraud, but to create a culture of fear where people are unwilling to apply for essential services,” according to a statement obtained by KTLA. Furthermore, Bonta emphasizes the severe repercussions that could follow such data demands, including children and disaster victims being denied basic necessities.

In the legal proceedings, the coalition of states demands the court declare the Trump Administration’s actions unlawful and prevent any conditioning of SNAP funding on states’ acquiescence to these intrusive demands. The collective stance represented by Bonta, James, and their counterparts across the nation stresses the urgency of maintaining the integrity of SNAP as a program essential to millions of lower-income Americans. How this legal battle will unfold remains to be seen, but it is clear that the states are ready to staunchly defend the privacy of their residents and the integrity of their social safety nets.