Food Stamps in Jeopardy as Top USDA Officials Exit
With just days before critical food aid funding expires, two key Trump administration officials overseeing the nation’s food assistance programs have abruptly left their posts—sparking alarm on Capitol Hill and among advocacy groups nationwide.
Who Left—and Why It Matters
James Miller, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and Babs Hough, a senior policy adviser at the same agency, have been reassigned to the Department of Health and Human Services, according to a senior White House official .
Their sudden departure comes as the government remains partially shut down and as funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—commonly known as food stamps—is set to lapse on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Without action from Congress or emergency intervention from the administration, roughly 42 million Americans could see their benefits cut off mid-month .
What Is the Food and Nutrition Service?
The Food and Nutrition Service is the federal agency responsible for administering 16 nutrition assistance programs that serve approximately one in four Americans annually. Its flagship program, SNAP, provides low-income households with monthly benefits to purchase groceries, acting as a lifeline during economic hardship .
With Miller’s exit, the FNS now lacks a permanent leader during one of the most precarious moments in its recent history—raising concerns about operational continuity and emergency response capabilities.
State Lawsuits Challenge Federal Inaction
On Tuesday, October 28, more than two dozen states—including California, Arizona, Massachusetts, and New York—filed a joint lawsuit against the Trump administration. The states argue that the federal government is legally obligated to use existing contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits through the shutdown .
“The refusal to tap available resources is not just bureaucratic negligence—it’s a direct threat to public health,” said California Attorney General Diana Ramos in a press statement.
Timeline: SNAP Funding Cliff
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct. 28, 2025 | James Miller and Babs Hough reassigned; states file lawsuit |
| Oct. 29, 2025 | Congressional aides warn of “imminent hunger crisis” |
| Nov. 1, 2025 | SNAP funding expires; benefits may stop for 42M Americans |
| Nov. 10–15, 2025 | Expected benefit issuance dates—now at risk |
Political Blame Game Intensifies
An Agriculture Department spokesperson insisted the personnel moves were “routine” and unrelated to the shutdown. The spokesperson further blamed congressional Democrats for the funding lapse, claiming they “refused to negotiate in good faith” on a continuing resolution .
However, internal USDA emails obtained by Politico suggest agency leaders had been preparing contingency plans for weeks—plans that appear to have been shelved following the leadership shuffle.
What Recipients Should Know Now
If you rely on SNAP benefits:
- Check your state’s Department of Social Services website for emergency updates.
- Local food banks are preparing for a surge in demand—consider pre-registering if possible.
- Advocacy groups like Feeding America are urging Congress to pass emergency SNAP funding by October 31.
“This isn’t just about groceries—it’s about dignity, stability, and survival for millions of families,” said Marcus Lin, policy director at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
