MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont Governor Phil Scott on Thursday defended his administration’s move to share the personal data of Vermonters who receive food assistance with the federal government. It’s one of several recent actions that raise questions about how closely the state is working with the Trump administration in areas where there are major policy differences.
Late last month, Vermont faced a deadline to share information about people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
State officials say they were complying with federal law and that the government already has access to the data under the 2018 Farm Bill.
“The federal government is the one that issues Social Security numbers. They have that information,” Scott said Thursday during his weekly media briefing.
The governor says fighting the feds for “the sake of political resistance” could put those SNAP benefits at risk.
Critics, including the Vermont Progressive Party, disagree, saying the governor should have joined 20 other states that are suing to protect the information.
This is one of several instances where Gov. Scott is grappling with whether to cooperate with the Trump administration. Other issues include whether ICE should be able to house detainees in state prisons or transport them via the Burlington airport. There’s also the question of allowing the Vermont National Guard to help with immigration enforcement.
“I’m going to call balls and strikes. I’m not going to oppose every single issue the federal government brings up. But at the same time, we’re going to take action and push back when necessary,” Scott said.
But some see it as a question of trust in state government. “We are very concerned about the precedent in which this sets,” said Anore Horton with Hunger Free Vermont. She also acknowledges the jam the governor is in. “I don’t think that any of us have an expectation that then that data is going to be freely available to any government agency or the federal government for any purpose whatsoever.”
“I don’t think this is a time for complacency or being complicit. I think this is a time for fighting back,” said Treasurer Mike Pieciak, D-Vt.
Asked if he trusts the Trump administration, Scott responded: “I don’t trust the actions of the president at times. I don’t believe his tactics are fruitful, and it does lead to mistrust, and I think that’s unfortunate.”
The governor added that trust in the government is critical and that a lack of trust could lead to an unraveling of our democracy.
Copyright 2025 WCAX. All rights reserved.
