The Trump administration announced plans to cut federal funding for SNAP and other assistance programs in Minnesota, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of residents who rely on federal aid.
The White House released a statement Friday indicating that Minnesota would lose federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, along with several other federal assistance initiatives. The announcement did not provide a specific timeline for implementation.
“Minnesota has approximately 450,000 residents enrolled in SNAP,” said Erin Campbell, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. “The loss of federal funding would be catastrophic for families already struggling to put food on the table.”
Governor Tim Walz called the move “unconscionable” and said the state is exploring legal options to challenge the decision. “We will not stand by while Washington abandons Minnesota families,” Walz said in a statement released Saturday.
The defunding announcement appears to target multiple federal assistance programs beyond SNAP, though specific details remain unclear. State officials said they are working to determine the full scope of the cuts and their potential impact on Minnesota residents.
Federal funding for SNAP and related programs represents hundreds of millions of dollars annually in Minnesota. The programs serve low-income families, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities across the state.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office is reviewing the legality of the action. “Federal assistance programs are established by law and cannot be arbitrarily eliminated by executive action,” Ellison said in a statement.
Community organizations and food banks across Minnesota expressed alarm at the potential impact. “We are already stretched thin,” said Cathy Maes, executive director of Second Harvest Heartland, one of the state’s largest food banks. “If SNAP funding disappears, we cannot possibly meet the increased need.”
Republican lawmakers in Minnesota have not yet issued statements on the matter. Multiple requests for comment from the White House press office were not returned by press time.
The announcement has raised questions about whether other states could face similar funding cuts. Federal assistance programs are typically administered through state agencies using federal funds allocated by Congress.
Legal experts said the administration’s authority to unilaterally defund congressionally appropriated programs is likely to face court challenges.
