Tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota ramped up this weekend after USDA halted $129 million in federal funding to the state over claims of fraud. The move is sure to be in focus as top U.S. ag leaders gather in Anaheim, California, over the next couple of days.
The announcement from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Friday afternoon came as a federal judge temporarily barred the administration from withholding about $10 billion in separate social service funds for five Democratic-run states, including Minnesota.
In a letter to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Rollins said the freezing of active and future awards to Minnesota was effective immediately. The decision coincides with bitter partisan debate and public protest over the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last week in Minneapolis.
The overlapping political and civil strains put a spotlight back on partisan discord, including over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Rollins and top congressional ag leaders are set to talk over the next two days at an American Farm Bureau Federation conference in Anaheim.
When asked whether SNAP funds were included in the freeze, a USDA spokesperson said, "It is just grants."
However, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families issued a statement Saturday saying, "We are working with our local partners to analyze the impacts of this latest federal action, including potential impacts to [SNAP]."
The latest partisan divide could overshadow work on key agriculture issues in Washington, including crafting a new farm bill. Congress has limited legislative working days this year because of the November midterm elections.
Rollins on Friday posted on social media: USDA "is SUSPENDING FEDERAL FINANCIAL AWARDS to Minnesota and Minneapolis, effective immediately, until sufficient proof has been provided that the fraud has stopped. No more handouts to thieves! Time to drain the Minnesota swamp and put American taxpayers first,"
On Saturday, Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., accused the Trump administration of "using hunger and fear as weapons." Republicans including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, praised the move.
"States credibly accused of waste, fraud, and abuse shouldn’t receive another dime in federal funding until we’re certain that aid is being spent on Americans who need it and not Somali scammers," Cruz said.
Rollins is addressing the farm bureau meeting on Monday in Anaheim, California. Senate and House Ag Committee leaders are set to speak Sunday afternoon, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Angie Craig, both Democrats from Minnesota. Craig is running this year to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn. Klobuchar, meanwhile, is reportedly mulling a run for governor of Minnesota.
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