Kotek Defies Trump Order, Loads Oregon SNAP Cards Despite Federal Recall

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek says SNAP beneficiaries must continue to use their Trail Cards as usual, despite President Donald Trump’s demand that states return federal funding already distributed for November.

Oregon Complied With a Federal Court Order

Expressing disgust at the government recall, Kotek says Oregon complied with a federal court order when distributing SNAP benefits.

The governor declared a food emergency earlier this month after Trump announced that federal funding for SNAP beneficiaries would be withheld because of the government shutdown.

Kotek says this emergency will remain in place to counter any attempts by the government to obstruct the distribution of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds, of which there are 757,000 beneficiaries in Oregon.

She assures Oregonians that together with Attorney General Dan Rayfield, her office remains committed to safeguarding families in need.

AG Rayfield says Trump is abusing his office and bullying hungry Americans. His sentiments are backed by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, who says the Trump administration is attempting to starve the 42 million children, seniors, and families who receive SNAP benefits.

On Sunday, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a ruling which had directed the government to distribute SNAP funds for November.

Kotek immediately instructed the Department of Human Services to load SNAP Trail Cards with funds for November, and employees worked throughout the night to meet her urgent directive.