James, other attorneys general, say Trump's move to freeze SNAP funds amid shutdown 'callous'

New York Attorney General Letitia James along with the attorneys general of California and New Jersey, excoriated the Trump administration as "callous" and cruel for continuing to try to prevent states from paying out SNAP benefits to participants, saying at a virtual news conference that the administration's course reversal had sown confusion and that they continue to battle the issue in court.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the attorneys general filed a temporary restraining order on Sunday that challenges the U.S. Department of Agriculture's attempt at suspending SNAP benefits. 

"The whiplash the president and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins have given Americans in recent weeks the steps they've taken to prevent vulnerable families from putting food on the table are unnecessary, unconscionable and unlawful. We refuse to stand by and allow it to continue without a fight," said Bonta. "We'll be in court today to fight a case against USDA's order that we undo steps we've taken to provide full SNAP benefits, steps states took in accordance with a court order and USDA's earlier guidance."

James said of the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP, "We are fighting for their dignity. We are fighting for their survival. We know what we are fighting for...We're standing shoulder to shoulder against the federal government's callous and repugnant cruelty. Democratic attorneys general have been working around the clock to ensure that all Americans have access to food stamps."

James also alerted New Yorkers that if they find a retailer who declines their EBT cards that have SNAP allotments on them to lodge a complaint with the attorney general's office. People can call 212-416-8000 or file a complaint online.

By Olivia Winslow

olivia.winslow@newsday.com@newsollie