Feds are threatening to withhold food benefits

Here we go again.
Those who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are facing another threat of having the program end.
Why?
President Trump’s administration is demanding the personal information of those who collect SNAP – especially their immigration and citizenship status.
The administration says it is doing this to root out waste and fraud – but it’s hard to believe it’s not about deporting immigrants.
Fortunately, so far, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is refusing to hand over personal information to the administration. But it could come at a steep cost: The Trump administration says it will suspend SNAP benefits to those states that refuse his demand for the information.
Just a few weeks ago, SNAP beneficiaries were faced with the program ending because of the government shutdown. Fortunately, that was averted.
For now, the state says it will continue to fund SNAP, but how long can the state afford to do that?
What is infuriating is that this presidential administration has zero concern about playing with the lives of people just to score political points.
Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib is a supporter of Trump and, from what he says, he is in line for a job with the administration – apparently as a reward for convincing a number of Muslims and Arabs in the metro area to get on the Trump bandwagon.
We urge the mayor to use this connection with the White House to convince Trump to allow Hamtramckans to continue receiving SNAP benefits.
In the meantime, there are organizations that have stepped in providing free food to the public, such as Forgotten Harvest, and our very own Detroit Friendship House.
This holiday season – the “season of giving” – keep an eye on your neighbors, and, if it seems like they are suffering a food crisis, please donate what you can. Or, at least, contact the proper authorities.
As so often seems to be the case, Hamtramck has to rely on Hamtramck to get by.
Posted Dec. 19, 2025