If you’ve been keeping an eye on your grocery budget lately, you’ve probably heard some chatter about major changes to food stamps. People are asking: what did trump say about snap benefits? Well, it’s not just talk anymore. In 2025, the landscape for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) shifted dramatically with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
President Trump has been very vocal about "strengthening integrity" and "restoring nutritional value" to the program. Basically, he’s pushing for a SNAP program that looks less like a universal safety net and more like a temporary, work-focused bridge. Honestly, if you're one of the 42 million Americans relying on these benefits, the new rules are kind of a lot to take in.
The Big Shift: Work Requirements and Age Limits
For years, the rules for "Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents" (ABAWDs) were pretty steady. If you were between 18 and 54, you had to work or train for 80 hours a month. If you didn't, you could only get benefits for three months every three years.
Trump changed that.
With the OBBBA, the age limit for these work requirements jumped from 54 to 64. Think about that for a second. Someone who is 63 years old—maybe struggling with health issues that aren't "officially" a disability yet—now has to prove they are working 20 hours a week just to eat.
And it’s not just the age. The definition of a "dependent" changed too. It used to be that having a child in the house protected you. Now, once your kid hits 14, they don't count as a dependent for your work exemption. You’re back on the clock.
Why the Change?
Trump’s logic is pretty straightforward: he believes the best way out of poverty is a job. He’s repeatedly said that "taxpayers shouldn't be subsidizing people who are capable of working but choose not to." Critics, however, argue that jobs for 60-year-olds in rural areas aren't exactly growing on trees.
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Goodbye, "Junk Food"? The New Nutrition Restrictions
One of the most controversial things Trump has supported is the idea of SNAP Food Restriction Waivers. He’s empowered states to start banning certain items from being bought with EBT cards.
We’re talking about:
- Soda and energy drinks
- Candy and prepared desserts
- Highly processed snacks
States like Texas, Florida, and Missouri have already jumped on this. By the end of 2026, roughly 31% of all SNAP participants will live in a state where they can't buy a Snickers bar or a Pepsi with their benefits. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and even Secretary Kennedy have been big proponents of this "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) approach. They want taxpayer money to go toward "nutritious options" rather than what they call "ultra-processed foods."
The Battle with "Blue States" Over Data
Things got really heated toward the end of 2025. The Trump administration demanded that states hand over detailed data on every single SNAP recipient—names, addresses, and especially immigration status.
Trump’s team says this is to "root out fraud." They claim they’ve found hundreds of thousands of deceased people still "collecting" benefits. But Democratic governors in places like California and New York aren't having it. They’ve sued to stop the data transfer, calling it a privacy violation and a "reckless attack" on vulnerable families.
The stakes? Trump threatened to withhold all SNAP funding from states that don't comply. It’s a massive game of chicken. If the federal government stops paying its 100% share of benefits, states would have to scramble to find billions of dollars or let their citizens go hungry.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the "Cuts"
You'll hear people say Trump "cut" SNAP. It’s more complicated than that.
He didn't just slash the budget by 20% across the board. Instead, the OBBBA changed the Thrifty Food Plan math. This is the formula used to decide how much money you get. The new law limits how much the plan can grow, effectively "constraining" the cost.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, these changes—along with the new work requirements—will likely reduce the number of people on SNAP by about 2.4 million over the next decade. For those who stay on the program, the average benefit remains around $6.20 per day. Not exactly a king's ransom.
The "State Match" Sting
Historically, the federal government paid for 100% of the food benefits, while states split the admin costs. Trump's new policy changes that.
Starting soon, if a state has a high "error rate" (meaning they gave benefits to people who shouldn't have gotten them), the state has to pay for a portion of the benefits themselves.
By 2027, the federal government is also planning to drop its share of administrative costs from 50% down to 25%. This puts a massive financial burden on state governments. Some experts think states will respond by making it harder to apply for SNAP just so they don't have to deal with the paperwork or the potential "error" fines.
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Real-World Impact: Who is Affected?
Let's look at who's feeling the squeeze:
- Older Adults (55-64): The biggest group hitting the new work requirement wall.
- Veterans and Homeless Individuals: Previous exemptions for these groups were stripped away in the OBBBA.
- Non-Citizens: Eligibility is now largely limited to Lawful Permanent Residents who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. Refugees and asylum seekers are mostly out.
It’s a "tough love" approach. Trump’s supporters say it protects the "dignity of work." Opponents say it’s just cruel.
Actionable Next Steps for SNAP Recipients
If you're worried about how these changes affect your household, don't wait for a letter in the mail that might come too late.
1. Check Your Age and "ABAWD" Status
If you are under 65 and don't have a child under 14 at home, you need to be prepared to prove you are working, volunteering, or in a training program for 20 hours a week. Document everything.
2. Claim the Medical Expense Deduction
If you are over 60 or have a disability, and you spend more than $35 a month on out-of-pocket medical costs (dentures, glasses, prescriptions, even transportation to the doctor), tell your caseworker. Only about 16% of seniors do this, but it can significantly increase your monthly benefit amount.
3. Stay Informed on Local Food Restrictions
Check your state’s Department of Human Services website. If you live in Texas or Florida, your "eligible foods" list is likely changing this year. Don't get caught at the checkout line with a cart full of items you can no longer buy.
4. Update Your Info Immediately
If your income drops or your household size changes, report it within 10 days. With the new "Quality Control" penalties, states are being much more aggressive about checking data. Keeping your file current is the best way to avoid an "error" that could get your benefits suspended.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" has fundamentally rewritten the rules of the game. Whether you see it as a necessary reform or a dangerous cut, the reality is that the era of "easy" SNAP access is ending.