Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the Trump administration intends to require all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to reapply for their benefits. This major policy change is being framed as an effort to fight SNAP fraud, reduce abuse, and ensure only eligible individuals continue receiving food assistance.
During an appearance on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight”, Rollins said newly released data shows that a significant number of beneficiaries may not be legitimate recipients. The administration argues that a full recertification of all SNAP households is necessary to restore trust and accountability in the system.
Claims of Fraud in SNAP Benefits
Data From 29 States Sparks Review
According to Rollins, the USDA recently examined information from 29 Republican-led states and discovered that 186,000 deceased individuals—including men, women, and children—were still listed as receiving SNAP benefits. She suggested that once the administration gains access to data from Democratic-led states, the number could increase substantially.
Rollins described the findings as shocking, emphasizing the need for a nationwide overhaul of the system.
Proposed Nationwide Reapplication Process
Rebuilding SNAP Through Mandatory Recertification
Rollins said the administration intends to rebuild the SNAP program by requiring all beneficiaries to submit new applications. The goal, she explained, is to ensure that every household receiving taxpayer-funded food assistance is genuinely vulnerable and in need of support.
She stated that this sweeping reapplication effort would strengthen eligibility checks and reduce fraudulent claims while making certain that resources go to families who truly depend on SNAP benefits.
Current SNAP Recertification Rules
How States Monitor Eligibility
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), states already require SNAP users to periodically recertify their eligibility. This process normally occurs every six to twelve months, depending on municipal regulations.
A USDA spokesperson told The Hill that Secretary Rollins wants to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within the program. They noted that previous fraud estimates were incomplete, and the new administration aims to use standard recertification, state data analysis, updated regulations, and stronger communication with states to address the issue.
SNAP Funding Concerns During the Government Shutdown
Food Stamp Distribution Remains Intact
Earlier in the month, SNAP funding became uncertain due to the government shutdown, which temporarily put food benefits at risk. The Trump administration raised objections to relying on contingency funding to maintain program operations.
On Thursday, Rollins reassured the public that all SNAP households will receive their full benefits by Monday, easing fears about disruptions. SNAP remains vital to more than 41 million Americans, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.
Ongoing Fraud Investigations and Program Integrity
Arrests Linked to SNAP Abuse
Rollins also said that 120 individuals have recently been arrested for alleged SNAP fraud, calling the program “corrupt” during a CNN interview. She argued that the federal government previously lacked the tools to uncover such widespread misuse. Now, she says, improved systems make it possible to identify abuse more effectively.
Rollins emphasized that President Trump has made SNAP reform a top priority and vowed that the administration will “fix this program” to prevent future abuse and protect taxpayers.
Conclusion
In summary, the Trump administration is preparing a nationwide reapplication process for all SNAP recipients as part of a broader effort to curb fraud and ensure benefits reach those who genuinely need them. With new data systems, ongoing investigations, and strengthened oversight, federal leaders argue that these actions are necessary to restore integrity, accountability, and fairness within the nation’s most widely used food assistance program.
FAQs
Why does the Trump administration want all SNAP recipients to reapply?
The administration claims that significant fraud exists within the program and believes a full reapplication will verify eligibility for every household.
How many people depend on SNAP benefits?
More than 41 million Americans rely on SNAP to buy groceries and meet basic food needs.
Were people arrested for SNAP fraud?
Yes. Agriculture Secretary Rollins reported that 120 individuals have recently been arrested for alleged food stamp fraud.