US President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh political firestorm by claiming that a massive public benefits fraud case in Minnesota is overwhelmingly linked to undocumented immigrants from Somalia. His comments, made on Truth Social, have drawn sharp rebukes from state leaders and refocused attention on his long-running feud with Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
Trump's Allegations and Personal Attacks
In a social media post, Trump asserted that up to 90% of the Minnesota fraud is caused by people who entered the country illegally from Somalia. He then directly targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born US citizen, calling her an "ungrateful loser." Trump revived a baseless allegation about her marriage and stated, "Lowlifes like this can only be a liability to our Country’s greatness. Send them back from where they came, Somalia."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's office swiftly pushed back against the politicisation. In a statement, they noted a willingness to work with Congress but criticised the relevant committee for holding "circus hearings." The office contrasted Walz's efforts to imprison fraudsters with the President's actions, accusing Trump of "selling pardons to let them out."
The Massive Fraud Case and Federal Response
The controversy revolves around a significant federal case. Prosecutors have charged 98 people in what is described as the largest pandemic-related public benefits fraud scheme in US history. The Justice Department alleges the plot diverted roughly $300 million intended for children's meals through the nonprofit Feeding Our Future.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed this week that 85 of the defendants are of Somali descent, with 57 already convicted. Republican officials in Minnesota accuse Democratic leadership of ignoring early warnings due to fears of being labelled racist or Islamophobic. Democrats reject this, pointing out that investigations began years ago and convictions are proceeding.
The Trump administration has escalated its response by freezing childcare payments to Minnesota and demanding a comprehensive audit of daycare centres and social programs. The Department of Homeland Security has sent hundreds of investigators to Minneapolis, and the FBI has surged resources to dismantle the fraud networks.
Community Impact and Ongoing Feud
Minnesota hosts the largest Somali community in the United States, with an estimated 80,000 residents. Immigrant rights advocates argue the fraud investigations are stigmatising the entire community. Federal officials insist the crackdown targets criminal networks, not ethnicity.
However, Trump's rhetoric has intensified scrutiny. Republican Congressman Tom Emmer called for the "denaturalization and deportation of every Somali engaged in fraud in Minnesota." The administration has ended Temporary Protected Status for Somalis and indicated a willingness to pursue denaturalization in specific cases.
Trump's latest remarks continue his bitter feud with Ilhan Omar. In September 2025, Omar labelled Trump a "lying buffoon" after he falsely claimed to have discussed her deportation with Somalia's president. Trump has repeatedly questioned her loyalty and citizenship, with allegations that continue to resurface in his public statements.
