LIVE: Newsom Drops Major Lawsuit Against Trump — Explosive Press Conference With AG Rob Bonta Underway Now
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), alleging the Trump administration unlawfully suspended November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The suit, joined by 23 state attorneys general and three governors, seeks an immediate court order to compel USDA to release available funds and prevent an unprecedented lapse in payments for more than 41 million Americans.
Key allegations and stakes
– Unlawful suspension: Attorney General Bonta argued that USDA, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, abruptly reversed its own shutdown guidance and ordered states to withhold November SNAP benefit files “until further notice,” despite billions in contingency funds Congress set aside precisely for funding during lapses in appropriations.
– Available funds ignored: California contends USDA has up to $6 billion in contingency resources—plus other accessible funds—to cover November benefits, but has chosen not to use them. “They have the funds. They’re just not using them,” Bonta said.
– Historic break with practice: Officials noted that USDA has historically continued SNAP through prior shutdowns, including in 2019, and that as recently as 2021 the agency and the Office of Management and Budget affirmed Congress’s intent for SNAP to continue during funding lapses.
– Nationwide impact: The administration’s action, California argues, places 41 million Americans at immediate risk of hunger, with disproportionate harm to children, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and low-income families. In California alone, CalFresh supports 5.5 million residents monthly, including 1.9 million children.
Legal claims and relief sought
– Statutory obligation: The lawsuit asserts USDA has a legal duty to provide SNAP benefits to eligible recipients and cannot suspend payments without first expending available funds. The state says USDA offered “zero basis” or legal authority for its new position that contingency funds cannot be used.
– Administrative law violations: California alleges the decision flouts congressional intent, disregards prior USDA communications, fails to engage in reasoned decision-making, and ignores the real-world impacts on states and families who administer and rely on the benefits.
– Emergency injunction: California is filing both a complaint and a request for a temporary restraining order (TRO). Bonta said TROs can be heard and decided within days, sometimes within 24 hours. If granted, the order would require USDA to deploy contingency funds and allow November SNAP benefits to flow to states participating in the suit.
Economic and public health consequences
– Health harms: Officials warned of spikes in malnutrition, worse educational outcomes for hungry children, and increased strain on healthcare systems and Medicaid due to higher emergency room and hospitalization usage. Research cited by Bonta indicates lower-income adults on SNAP incur about $1,400 less in annual medical costs than non-participants.
– Economic ripple effects: USDA has previously estimated that each $1 in SNAP benefits generates more than $1.50 in economic activity. California says suspension will hit 26,600 grocers, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers, as well as producers, at a time when holiday demand and inflation are already pressurizing households.
– Poverty impacts: State data suggest California’s poverty rate would be 3.1% higher—equating to 1.2 million more people in poverty—without the nutrition safety net.
State contingency measures
– Emergency support for food banks: Governor Newsom announced California has fast-tracked $80 million to the state’s 50 food banks and their 2,500 partner pantries, while acknowledging it will not fully offset a federally funded program that delivers $1.1 billion monthly to Californians.
– Logistics and volunteers: The state has deployed 397 CalVolunteers and, upon request, 35 members of the California National Guard to assist with logistics, with up to 150 Guard members on standby if needed. Officials emphasized participation by food banks is voluntary and that the Guard’s role is focused on support and logistics to ensure community comfort and trust.
– Public call to action: Californians are encouraged to donate or volunteer with local food banks via cafoodbanks.org, where needs are listed by community.
Political and policy context
– “Intentional cruelty”: Newsom called the SNAP suspension “intentional cruelty,” arguing it is part of a broader Republican policy agenda that has targeted Medicaid and SNAP through legislation proposing $186 billion in SNAP cuts over ten years. He criticized congressional leaders and the administration for leveraging the shutdown to enact de facto policy changes, and he contrasted the suspension with reports of spending on unrelated federal priorities and state projects elsewhere.
– Religious and civic framing: The Governor underscored moral obligations to feed the hungry, invoking biblical teachings, and castigated what he described as hypocrisy among political leaders who attend prayer events while advancing policies that increase hunger.
– Red and blue state impacts: Newsom expressed surprise that more Republican governors did not join the lawsuit, arguing that rural, red areas are disproportionately affected by SNAP reductions. Bonta added that, under recent Supreme Court precedent, states not party to the suit could have to explain to their constituents why they failed to join an effort that could restore benefits.
– Broader governance disputes: Newsom tied the SNAP fight to wider conflicts with the Trump administration, including tariffs he says have elevated consumer costs, and litigation over civil rights and public health protections. California officials say this lawsuit is the state’s 45th against the administration in less than a year.
OpenAI nonprofit oversight note
– Separately, Bonta disclosed that California DOJ, which oversees charitable organizations in the state, has been engaged for over a year with OpenAI regarding adherence to its nonprofit mission. He said the state reached an agreement including notice provisions for board or mission changes, commitments to safety (including child safety), and a pledge to remain operating in California. He emphasized ongoing vigilance to ensure compliance.
What happens next
– Fast-track in court: California expects an expedited hearing on the TRO. If granted, USDA would be required to access the contingency funds and proceed with November SNAP disbursements for the states in the coalition.
– Continuing state support: In the interim, California is moving resources, volunteers, and logistical support to shore up food banks during the holiday season, while preparing for additional budget considerations in January if federal support remains uncertain.
Bottom line
California accuses the Trump administration of illegally manufacturing a hunger crisis during a federal shutdown by refusing to use congressionally established contingency funds for SNAP—breaking with longstanding practice and putting tens of millions at risk. With an emergency court challenge and stopgap state measures, California and its coalition aim to force USDA to restore benefits quickly, framing the case as both a legal imperative and a moral test of national priorities.