Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) are at odds over threats to funding for crucial food assistance programs as the Trump administration slashes federal spending.

Rollins, who became head of the Department of Agriculture in February, called the concerns Ryan previously raised about canceled shipments for food banks in his district "fake news," as she acknowledged the USDA "pulled back" funds she described as "Covid-era" and unspent, when asked about it during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday."

Rollins stressed during the Fox News appearance the USDA funding had not been spent before it was "pulled back."

"They were asking for more time because they couldn't figure out how to spend the money so quickly. So that is what we pulled back," she said, adding the USDA still provides assistance to food banks.

She didn't elaborate on the specific concerns raised about the additional funding promised, but she accused Ryan of being politically motivated.

"The Democrats are struggling right now for a unifying message. They think this could be it even though it's completely false," Rollins said.........

© The Hill