USDA Tightens SNAP Rules to Curb Fraud Under Trump’s Direction

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing stricter identity and immigration verification procedures for applicants to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This decision follows directives from President Donald Trump‘s administration, aiming to ensure that federal benefits are exclusively provided to those legally eligible.

Acting Deputy Under Secretary John Walk released updated guidance to state agencies this week under Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins‘ direction. The changes are designed to comply with Executive Order 14218, signed by President Trump earlier this year, which emphasizes enhanced eligibility verification.

“President Trump has made it clear that American taxpayers will no longer subsidize illegal aliens,” Rollins said in a statement. “It is our duty to ensure states confirm the identity and verify the immigration status of SNAP applicants.”

This move is in response to a 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that identified $10.5 billion in SNAP overpayments, constituting around 12% of all disbursed funds. Inadequate identification verification was cited as a significant factor contributing to these overpayments.

The new guidance mandates that state agencies adopt stricter documentation standards and intensify efforts to detect fraudulent Social Security number usage. Additionally, USDA encourages states to utilize the Department of Homeland Security’s Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system, which is available at no charge.

Other recommendations include implementing identity proofing procedures and increasing the frequency of in-person interviews, steps taken to reduce fraud and enhance the accuracy of benefit eligibility determinations.

These measures are part of a broader federal initiative aimed at reducing fraud in federal assistance programs, thereby reinforcing the integrity of services funded by taxpayer dollars.