New York-Leaded Coalition: Trump Admin Violates Privacy Act Over Low-Income Records

• A multistate lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration over its decision to release personal information of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program participants.
• The coalition argues that the administration's move is a clear violation of the Privacy Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Constitution's spending clause.
• The lawsuit seeks to enjoin the implementation of the System Of Records Notice and restore confidentiality protections for individuals receiving government assistance.

This administration has used every means at its disposal to erode federal confidentiality protections and deploy unsubstantiated allegations of 'fraud' in order to target plaintiff states' antipoverty programs, [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] included, and particularly to target the benefits those programs provide by law to qualified immigrants and children in immigrant communities.

A multistate lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration over its decision to release personal information of individuals participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The coalition of 24 states and Washington, D.C., led by New York, argues that the administration's move is a clear violation of the Privacy Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Constitution's spending clause. According to the lawsuit, the Administration for Children and Families issued a notice on June 23 authorizing the disclosure of personal information, including Social Security numbers, marital status, parentage, immigration status, and other forms of personally identifiable information. The coalition claims that this decision is part of a larger effort by the administration to erode federal confidentiality protections and target plaintiff states' antipoverty programs.

The lawsuit highlights the tension between the Trump administration's efforts to expand its role in overseeing the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and the built-in flexibility of the program, which was designed to eliminate excessive bureaucracy and federal oversight. The coalition argues that Congress specifically sought to reduce federal involvement in the program when it created it in 1996 via the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. The administration's move to disclose personal information without explicit statutory authority is seen as a clear overreach of its powers. The lawsuit also notes that the administration's database shows that 2,065,848 individuals received assistance in 2025, with California having the largest number of recipients at 794,649.

The implications of this lawsuit are far-reaching and have significant consequences for individuals participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. If the administration's decision is allowed to stand, it could lead to the sharing of personal information with private or public entities, potentially exposing recipients to identity theft and other risks. Lawyers advising clients participating in the program should be aware of these potential risks and advise their clients on how to mitigate them. The lawsuit also highlights the importance of protecting confidentiality protections for individuals receiving government assistance.

Lawyers advising clients participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program should be aware that their clients' personal information may soon be shared with private or public entities, potentially exposing them to identity theft and other risks. They should advise clients on how to mitigate these risks and consider reviewing existing confidentiality agreements.

Source: Original reporting via CN