California Attorney General Rob Bonta has asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to enforce its preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration’s demand for personal and sensitive information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Earlier in the year, Attorney General Bonta filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, alleging that this request violated federal law. The court previously agreed that the demand was likely unlawful because it indicated an intent to use the data for purposes unrelated to SNAP administration and granted a preliminary injunction.
Despite this ruling, the Trump Administration has renewed its threat to cut off administrative funding to states that do not comply with its data request. In response, Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition have argued in their motion that this renewed demand violates the existing court order and remains contrary to law.
“The Trump Administration’s latest demand for SNAP data is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to get around an existing court order,” said Attorney General Bonta. “We will not be bullied into turning over the private, sensitive data of SNAP recipients in California. If the Trump Administration wants to stop losing in court, it should stop breaking the law. It’s that simple. I urge the court to enforce its order, and block further threats to withhold federal funding if states don’t comply with the Trump Administration’s illegal demands.”
SNAP is a federally funded but state-administered program providing food assistance to low-income families nationwide. Applicants provide private information under assurances—backed by federal law—that their data will not be used for unrelated purposes. The current dispute centers on whether states must choose between protecting residents’ privacy or risking critical nutrition aid due to threatened funding cuts from Washington.
California receives over $1 billion annually for SNAP administration; any disruption could have significant effects on those relying on these benefits.
The only difference between previous and renewed demands from Washington is an attached proposed data and security protocol. However, according to filings, this protocol is not open for negotiation as stated by federal officials who claim there “can be no good faith objections” despite concerns raised by states about potential misuse already found unlawful by courts.
Attorney General Bonta has consistently challenged efforts he views as attacks on SNAP administration or eligibility in California. During a recent government shutdown, he sued USDA over benefit funding delays—resulting in two district courts finding against federal actions—and opposed attempts at higher judicial review until full benefits were restored after reopening of government operations.
Most recently, Attorney General Bonta also sued regarding USDA guidance excluding certain legally residing non-citizens from eligibility; following legal action, USDA issued correcting guidance and a district court blocked penalties against California related to errors caused by prior instructions.
The California Attorney General’s office serves as chief law enforcement authority statewide, overseeing uniform enforcement of laws while safeguarding public rights and safety through services such as legal representation and consumer protections. Rob Bonta leads this office as part of California’s executive branch within state government structure (source). The office advances policies focused on civil rights and economic security while maintaining transparency via public portals like OpenJustice (source).
