The Trump administration recently notified Minnesota that it is suspending $129 million in federal benefit payments to the state. They pointed to claims of widespread fraud, much of it purportedly tied to the state’s Somali community. We are perennially blessed by President Donald Trump’s assertions that there is widespread match-fixing going on in the state of Minnesota. He claims that these are being organized by “Somali gangs.” Federal authorities—like the FBI—are monitoring the situation closely. They are putting additional resources behind to address these issues directly.
Brian Feintech, a spokesperson for the city of Minneapolis, underscored that the administration did not take this action lightly but to fight against fraud. Their pledge to combat fraud is unwavering. “We are working diligently to ensure that public funds are used appropriately,” he stated. Tempers are flaring in Minnesota and a heated public debate is ongoing over these serious allegations. The state is now under fire on multiple fronts over its social programs.
In November 2025, Trump ended legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota, further intensifying the debate over immigration and community safety. During his statements, Trump claimed that “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing.” What’s worse, local officials and community leaders were shocked and outraged by these comments. They further contend this unfounded rhetoric inappropriately demonizes certain populations.
Minnesota’s attorney general, Keith Ellison, has been unapologetic in his pushback against the Trump administration’s illegal actions. He declared, “I will not allow you to take from Minnesotans in need. I’ll see you in court.” Second, Ellison’s commitment to defending the rights of Minnesota residents foreshadows the legal battles that will likely follow this suspension.
On September 23rd, the FBI’s new director, Kash Patel, unveiled a historic initiative. The agency is currently focusing on widespread and systematic fraud schemes that exploit federal programs in Minnesota. Patel noted the tremendous progress the FBI has made in fighting fraud. Among other notable successes, they took down a $250 million fraud that diverted federal food assistance away from needy children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This example led to 78 accusations and 57 convictions.
Federal prosecutors have alleged that different fraud schemes involving Minnesota’s Somali community could have defrauded as much as $9 billion. This truly astronomical sum has raised eyebrows and spurred additional investigations. This specific aspect of the settlement has raised alarms among housing advocates and has prompted additional scrutiny from federal authorities. Trump’s administration has consistently targeted Minnesota over the past year regarding allegations of fraud, specifically directing criticism at the state’s Somali community.
In response to Trump’s rhetoric, Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz, expressed his discontent with the president’s approach. “Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St Paul and online – want to take our state in a colder, meaner direction,” he said. Walz has made headlines lately for announcing that he will not seek reelection to a third term as governor. This decision might change the political balance as Minnesota finds itself at a crossroads.
Since her election, Trump has tweeted a series of increasingly ugly and racist messages targeting newly-elected Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. He referred to her as ‘garbage’ and said that allowing people like them into our country would take our nation down a dark path. These statements have been widely condemned for their incendiary and discriminatory tone as well as their effect on community trust and relations.
Investigations are still active, and legal fights are just beginning. This lack of clarity puts the future of federal benefit payments in Minnesota at risk. The state is bracing for potential disruptions to services that many residents rely upon as officials work through the complexities of the allegations and their implications.