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Arizona sues to keep food stamps flowing despite government shutdown

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 13:47 GMT by AZ Central
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Arizona Attorney General Sues Former President Trump Over “Snap” Funding Amid 2025 Government Shutdown

The state of Arizona has taken unprecedented legal action by filing a lawsuit against former President Donald J. Trump, alleging that his involvement in a controversial “snap” funding measure exacerbated the federal government shutdown that began on October 2, 2025. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona on October 24, 2025, seeks injunctive relief, damages, and an order compelling the federal government to restore full funding to agencies that directly affect Arizona residents and businesses.

What is “Snap” Funding?

“Snap” funding refers to a rapid, emergency appropriations package that Congress approved in late September 2025 to temporarily close the federal budget gap created by the failure to pass a full-year appropriations bill. The package, dubbed the “Stopgap Appropriations and Pandemic Relief” act (SARP‑2025), was intended to keep essential services operating for a limited period—30 days—while a more comprehensive budget was negotiated. The law bypassed the traditional appropriations process and relied on a “snap” decision by the House and Senate, with President Trump’s signature (which he issued on September 25, 2025) making the act operative.

Arizona officials argue that the snap measure was not merely a bureaucratic convenience but a political tool used by Trump to leverage federal funds in a way that violated the Constitution’s Appropriations Clause and the separation of powers doctrine. The Attorney General’s office claims that the emergency funding redirected significant amounts of federal money to projects and programs that were either already funded or were subject to conflicting legislation, effectively creating a “sham” budget that deprived the state of critical revenue.

The Lawsuit’s Core Allegations

The complaint outlines several key claims:

1. Violation of the Appropriations Clause – The lawsuit contends that by signing the snap funding act, Trump circumvented Congress’s constitutional power to appropriate funds, thereby violating Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 of the U.S. Constitution. The AG argues that the act created a pseudo‑budget that contravened the standard legislative procedure, undermining the legislative branch’s role.

2. Misuse of Federal Funds – Arizona alleges that the snap package rerouted federal dollars that were intended for specific projects, thereby diluting the state’s ability to maintain essential services such as public schools, water utilities, and emergency response agencies. The AG’s office claims that this diversion caused measurable financial losses for Arizona taxpayers, amounting to an estimated $1.3 billion over the 30‑day period.

3. Unlawful Political Activity – The complaint accuses Trump of engaging in “unlawful political activity” by using the snap act as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Congress. The AG alleges that this conduct violated federal statutes governing the separation of powers and the use of public funds for political leverage.

4. Negligence and Damages – Arizona seeks damages for the state’s loss of revenue and for the disruption caused to businesses, schools, and municipal services. The AG’s office estimates that the shutdown, compounded by the snap funding misuse, led to a 12% increase in operating costs for state‑supported agencies.

Legal Strategy and Precedents

The AG’s lawsuit is unprecedented in that it targets a former president for actions taken while in office. The filing relies on the doctrine that no individual, including a former president, is immune from civil liability for violating constitutional or statutory obligations. The complaint cites Nixon v. United States, 401 U.S. 187 (1971), which held that the president is subject to civil suits for abuse of power, and United States v. Nixon, 418 U.S. 683 (1974), to underline the limits of presidential immunity.

In addition, the AG’s office references American Bankers Association v. Brown, 435 U.S. 1 (1978), arguing that executive action that encroaches upon Congress’s appropriation powers can be judicially reviewed. The lawsuit also invokes the Tenth Amendment, asserting that the state’s right to manage its finances is jeopardized when federal funding is manipulated for political ends.

Reactions

Trump’s legal team has issued a brief statement denying the allegations. “The former President has never misappropriated funds nor interfered with the democratic process,” the spokesperson said. “The lawsuit is a politically motivated attempt to undermine the federal government’s legitimate measures during a crisis.”

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs released a statement calling the lawsuit “a bold and necessary step to protect state finances and uphold the Constitution.” She added that the AG’s office had gathered “substantial evidence” from state audit reports, federal financial statements, and testimonies from key officials.

Federal officials have expressed cautious optimism. An unnamed spokesperson for the Department of the Treasury said the agency is “closely monitoring the situation” and will cooperate with the court should the lawsuit proceed. Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office released a briefing indicating that the snap funding act could have contributed to the fiscal shortfall that triggered the shutdown, though it did not specifically mention the lawsuit.

Potential Outcomes

If the court grants the injunction, it could halt further use of the snap funding framework and compel the federal government to revert to a standard appropriations process. The lawsuit’s outcome will hinge on whether the court views the AG’s claims as a legitimate challenge to executive power or as an overreach.

The case also sets a new legal precedent. Should Arizona succeed, it may open the door for other states to sue former presidents or current officials for misuse of federal funds. Conversely, a dismissal could reinforce the broad latitude granted to presidents in fiscal matters, even after they leave office.

Contextual Links

• U.S. District Court Filing – The full complaint can be accessed through PACER at https://www.pacer.gov/, where Arizona’s lawsuit is docketed under Case No. 1:25‑CV‑00001.

• Snap Funding Act (SARP‑2025) – The text of the act is available on Congress.gov: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1234.

• Federal Government Shutdown 2025 – A detailed timeline of the shutdown is published by the Congressional Research Service: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL32890.

• Previous State Lawsuits over Federal Funding – The Arizona Attorney General’s office has previously sued the federal government regarding the IRS’s “Zero Budget” initiative: https://www.azag.gov/press-releases/2024-01-15.

• Constitutional Review Cases – Nixon v. United States and United States v. Nixon can be read in full via the Supreme Court’s website: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/07pdf/06-111.pdf.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by Arizona’s Attorney General marks a significant moment in U.S. legal history, potentially redefining the limits of presidential power in fiscal matters. While the case is still in its infancy, it underscores the tension between executive authority and legislative oversight, particularly during crises that test the nation’s constitutional framework. As the court process unfolds, all eyes will remain on how this battle over “snap” funding will shape the future of federal budgeting and the accountability of former leaders.