California, along with other states, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary Brooke Rollins for halting SNAP benefits, cutting off food aid for over 41 million Americans, according to Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Some 5.5 million people in California will be impacted by the benefits suspension, said Gov. Gavin Newsom at a press conference Tuesday.

"Trump and his administration are willing to put more than 41 million Americans at risk of hunger, at risk of food insecurity, at risk of malnutrition if it gives them a new play in their twisted political game," Bonta said.

California is giving food banks $80 million to help address the immediate needs, but Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged that won't be enough. California receives roughly $1.1 billion of federal funding for food assistance monthly.

"Cruelty is the policy. That's what this is about," Newsom said.