Washington Joins Legal Challenge Against Trump Administration’s Demands for SNAP Recipient Data
Olympia, WA – July 28, 2025 – Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that his office has joined a coalition of states filing a lawsuit challenging a federal directive that would compel states to surrender sensitive personal data of individuals receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration’s demand is an unlawful overreach of federal authority and a violation of privacy protections for vulnerable Americans.
The directive, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), requests state agencies to hand over personal information of SNAP recipients, including names, addresses, and potentially other identifying details. Washington, along with other participating states, contends that this broad demand lacks a clear statutory basis and poses significant privacy risks to individuals who rely on SNAP to afford essential food for their families.
“Our office is committed to protecting the privacy of all Washingtonians, especially those who are participating in vital programs like SNAP,” stated Attorney General Ferguson. “This federal demand is a serious concern, and we believe it is both illegal and an unwarranted intrusion into the personal lives of individuals and families who are working hard to make ends meet. We are proud to stand with our fellow states in challenging this harmful directive.”
The lawsuit asserts that the federal government has no legal authority to collect this type of sensitive personal data from states without a more specific and permissible legal justification. Furthermore, the states argue that the collection and potential misuse of this information could have chilling effects on individuals’ willingness to seek assistance, thereby undermining the very purpose of the SNAP program.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a critical federal program that provides crucial nutritional support to millions of low-income Americans, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Participating in such a program is often a necessity for families facing economic hardship, and the confidentiality of their participation is paramount.
The coalition of states highlights that the directive not only infringes upon privacy rights but also places an undue administrative burden on state agencies responsible for administering the SNAP program. They contend that the federal government should explore less intrusive means of gathering data if such information is deemed necessary for program oversight or evaluation.
By joining this lawsuit, Washington State aims to safeguard the privacy of its SNAP recipients and uphold the integrity of federal assistance programs. The participating states are seeking a court order to block the enforcement of the USDA’s directive and to affirm that such broad data collection demands are unlawful. This legal action underscores the ongoing efforts by states to push back against what they perceive as federal overreach and to ensure that federal policies are implemented in a manner that respects individual rights and privacy.
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