SNAP Benefits Update: USDA To 'Completely Deconstruct' Program [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Nov 19, 2025 at 07:35 AM EST updated Nov 19, 2025 at 08:41 AM EST


U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins has said the department will "completely deconstruct" the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in an effort to remove fraud and corruption from the program.

The USDA told Newsweek: "Secretary Rollins wants to ensure the fraud, waste, and incessant abuse of SNAP ends. Rates of fraud were only previously assumed, and President Trump is doing something about it. Using standard recertification processes for households is a part of that work. As well as ongoing analysis of state data, further regulatory work, and improved collaboration with states."

Why It Matters

SNAP supports about 42 million low-income Americans nationwide by helping them cover the costs of groceries each month. The program came into the spotlight during the recent government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history—when many did not receive their benefits as scheduled in November.

Rollins' comment also comes amid the government's announcement of two major changes to the program: Work requirement provisions brought in by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could see millions removed from the program, and recipients could be required to reapply for the benefits so that those no longer deemed eligible can be removed from the program.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/snap-benefits-update-usda-completely-deconstruct-program-11071472