Attorney General Raoul joins lawsuit to restore SNAP benefits nationwide

CHICAGO (WAND) - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 26 attorneys general and governors in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), challenging what they call the unlawful suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The federal program provides food assistance to more than 40 million Americans, including nearly 2 million residents in Illinois.

Raoul criticized the Trump administration’s decision to halt SNAP benefits, calling it a harmful blow to vulnerable communities across the state.

“At a time of increased costs for families, the Trump administration is making a deliberate, illegal and cruel decision to cut off access to food for nearly 2 million Illinoisans,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with other attorneys general against the president’s unlawful actions that threaten the separation of powers and the rule of law.”

The lawsuit argues that the USDA does have access to emergency funds specifically allocated for situations like this, contradicting its claims of insufficient resources. The coalition contends that the suspension will worsen food insecurity, strain local governments, and negatively affect health and nutrition in schools and communities.

Attorneys general also maintain that the USDA does not have the authority to stop SNAP benefits, as Congress has already appropriated funding for the program. The coalition plans to seek a temporary restraining order to immediately restore benefits while the case proceeds.

Joining Raoul in the lawsuit are attorneys general from 26 states, along with the governors of Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

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