The White House accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials Monday of urging agitators to protest against immigration enforcement and cause chaos in Minneapolis’ streets as a distraction from federal fraud probes against the officials.
President Trump, in a Truth Social post, wrote on Sunday that “Minnesota is a Criminal COVER UP of the massive Financial Fraud that has gone on!” His claim came after another federal immigration officer fatally shot a demonstrator in Minneapolis.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Mr. Trump was referring to Mr. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey “encouraging… left-wing agitators to harass, dox” — to publicize personal information of private citizens — and to “threaten ICE to make this conversation about them and smear lies about federal law enforcement.”
She said ICE agents are “just trying to do their jobs” and the attacks are “an attempt to distract from the widespread, massive fraud that has taken place in their state.”
Minnesota’s Somali community has come under scrutiny in recent years after federal authorities brought charges against dozens of members who signed up to provide meals under a pandemic-era support program, but never delivered on the meals.
That fraud bilked the government of $300 million, authorities said.
Authorities have also identified scams involving the Somali community and autism programs. Prosecutors said scammers would arrange for bogus autism diagnoses for children in the community, offering kickbacks to the parents to get the kids onto the government’s support rolls.
The fraudsters would then seek reimbursement from the government for autism services that were never provided.
“Billions and billions of dollars have been stolen from law-abiding taxpayers in Minnesota, and the administration continues to be very focused on getting to the bottom of it,” Ms. Leavitt said.
“And the president raised a good question over the weekend with respect to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who now has a net worth within the millions. And one must ask themselves, why and how is that possible?” she said.
Ms Leavitt said of the lawmaker, “Is she connected to the fraud rings that we have seen taking place within her state and her own district? It’s a question the American people are raising, and the president believes it’s one worth answering.”
Ms. Omar responded Sunday, “Sorry, Trump, your support is collapsing and you’re panicking. Right on cue, you’re deflecting from your failures with lies and conspiracy theories about me. Years of ‘investigations’ have found nothing. Get your goons out of Minnesota.”
