A legal battle over food assistance funds reached a critical point as a federal judge intervened, halting the Trump Administration’s attempt to withhold $80 million from Minnesota’s food stamp program. The decision came amidst accusations of widespread fraud and a tense standoff between federal officials and state leaders.
US District Judge Laura Provinzino, appointed by President Biden, ruled that the USDA must immediately release the frozen funds allocated to Minnesota. The judge determined that the 30-day deadline imposed by the USDA for a comprehensive review of the state’s SNAP program was likely unlawful.
The conflict began with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ directive to Minnesota, demanding the re-enrollment of SNAP recipients and a vigorous crackdown on alleged fraud. Minnesota officials refused to comply, leading to a lawsuit filed against the federal government.
Rollins escalated the situation last week by suspending all federal financial awards to Minnesota, citing “massive fraud” – potentially billions of dollars – siphoned off by fraudulent actors. She publicly accused state leaders of lacking a plan to address the issue.
In a strongly worded statement, Rollins asserted that the USDA was compelled to act, declaring “No more handouts to thieves!” and calling for a “drain” of what she termed the “Minnesota swamp.” She argued that the state demonstrated an inability to responsibly manage federal resources.
Rollins’ letter to Minnesota Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey specifically accused them of obstructing efforts to combat the fraud, refusing to provide necessary information or implement basic preventative measures. The accusations painted a picture of systemic issues within the state’s benefit programs.
The dispute took a particularly sharp turn when former President Trump directly criticized the Somali community in Minneapolis, suggesting that all Somali individuals should be deported to Somalia. He claimed that food stamp funds were being misused and that the system was being exploited.
Trump’s statements, posted on his social media platform, alleged widespread fraud within food stamp businesses in Minneapolis, characterizing them as lacking basic standards and openly mocking American taxpayers. He framed the situation as a deliberate “Democrat SCAM” perpetuated with the complicity of the media.
The judge’s ruling represents a significant setback for the Trump Administration’s efforts to penalize Minnesota and forces the USDA to reconsider its approach to addressing the alleged fraud. The case highlights the complex challenges of balancing oversight with access to vital social safety net programs.
