Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced on Mar. 23 that he has joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, challenging what they describe as unconstitutional and unlawful conditions placed on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding.
The lawsuit argues that the new requirements imposed by the USDA threaten penalties for states that do not comply with federal policies regarding immigration, diversity, equity and inclusion, and gender identity—conditions which the coalition claims are unrelated to the core purpose of USDA funding programs. The suit seeks to prevent these stipulations from affecting critical initiatives such as school lunches, WIC (Women, Infants and Children), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), and fire capacity grants.
“This President would rather Americans go hungry than disagree with him politically,” said Attorney General Neronha. “As this Administration has attempted to do in the recent past, and failed, they are once again trying to make federal funding for essential services contingent on political capitulation. This was plainly illegal when they tried to do it with funding for transportation, emergency preparedness, and other essential areas, and it is plainly illegal here. Millions upon millions of Americans struggle with food insecurity and rely on this funding to feed themselves and their families. They cannot and will not impose illegal conditions on this funding; we will make sure of it.”
According to the complaint filed by the attorneys general, effective December 31, 2025, states must agree to follow unspecified Trump Administration policies tied broadly to gender identity issues as well as diversity initiatives in order to receive USDA funds. The lawsuit contends that these terms violate both constitutional spending rules—by imposing unclear or coercive demands—and administrative law standards.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, Rhode Island received more than $418 million from USDA programs—a majority directed toward food assistance for vulnerable residents. Officials say even a temporary disruption could increase food insecurity across communities dependent on these resources.
Joining Neronha in bringing forth this legal challenge are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York,Oregon,Vermont,V irginia ,Washington,Wisconsin,and Washington D.C.
