New data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dropped to approximately 39.5 million people in December 2025, marking the first time enrollment has fallen below 40 million since September 2024.
Maria Bartiromo highlighted the figures during a televised interview, stating, “The US, Department of Agriculture tracking the latest on SNAP enrollment numbers, December data shows roughly 39 and a half million participants.”
She noted the significance of the decline, adding, “First time it’s been under 40 million since September of 24.”
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Bartiromo also raised questions about a reported case involving a wealthy individual qualifying for benefits. “In Minnesota, one millionaire says he discovered a loophole which allowed him to qualify for food stamps,” she said.
Describing the situation further, she said, “Millionaire, he described the process to Fox News digital as fraud by design.”
Bartiromo explained how eligibility rules played a role, stating, “He qualified for the program based on income, not assets, and with low retirement income, he was accepted.”
She added that the individual later gave away the benefits, saying, “He ended up donating all of the money and the benefits to charity.”
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Turning to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Bartiromo asked, “That’s quite the story in terms of this loophole allowing that millionaire to get SNAP benefits. How? How often does that happen?”
Rollins responded by pointing to broader reforms, beginning with, “Well, first of all, Maria, thanks so much. It’s so great to be back on.”
She described the enrollment drop as a reflection of policy changes, saying, “It was incredible news yesterday, a real testament, think, to this President’s leadership and vision that we have to protect the taxpayer.”
Rollins emphasized oversight of federal programs, stating, “We have to ensure that every government program coming out of the federal government is doing what it is intended.”
She said scrutiny increased following prior disruptions, explaining, “I think the consequence of the shutdown last fall was a bright light was shown on a very broken program.”
Rollins added, “And that is the food stamp or SNAP program.”
Addressing the Minnesota case, she said, “The Minnesota case is just one of many examples.”
She outlined findings from recent reviews, stating, “Half a million people we have found in the last year that are taking benefits more than once.”
