24 States and D.C. Sue Trump Over TANF Data-Sharing Policy

A coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, August 3, 2026, seeking to block a federal policy that would expand access to personal information of recipients in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The legal challenge, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C.

The lawsuit targets a notice issued by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) on June 23, which would update the TANF system of records beginning August 11. The policy would authorize the sharing of sensitive recipient data, including Social Security numbers, immigration status, addresses, marital status, and parentage details, with other federal agencies and, in some circumstances, outside entities performing government functions. The states argue this expanded data-sharing violates federal privacy protections, including the Privacy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act, and exceeds the federal government's constitutional authority.

Administration officials have defended the policy as a necessary measure to strengthen oversight and verify eligibility in a program...