Trump SNAP Reforms Lead to Millions Losing Food Benefits

More than 4.7 million people, approximately 11% of participants, lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between February 2025 and February 2026. This decline followed the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), signed by Donald Trump in July 2025. The law expanded work requirements for adults up to age 64, removed exemptions for veterans and homeless individuals, and disqualified refugees and asylees. The Congressional Budget Office projects the bill will cut roughly $187 billion from SNAP over 10 years.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attributed the drop to a stronger economy and a crackdown on fraud, which reportedly recovered $132 million. However, critics and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York report that rising grocery prices and federal cuts have pushed food insecurity to levels exceeding the pandemic peak. ProPublica analysis indicates at least 776,000 children lost benefits, with severe declines in Louisiana and Arizona.

Arizona experienced the steepest nationwide drop, with enrollment falling by nearly half. Michael Wisehart of the Arizona Department of Economic Security attributed this to rapid implementation of federal rules to avoid potential fines of $201.5 million, compounded by an IT system over 45 years old. Governor Katie Hobbs invested millions to increase staffing to address resulting paperwork backlogs. In response to the cuts, 23 state attorneys general have urged the Senate to reverse the policy, while states like California are pursuing emergency funding to fill the gap.