Trump’s Remarks on Minnesota Fraud
During his New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump expressed strong criticism regarding alleged fraud schemes in Minnesota involving Somali residents.
“Can you imagine they stole $18 billion?” Trump remarked. “That’s just what we’re learning about. That’s peanuts. And California is worse, Illinois is worse and, sadly, New York is worse.”
The president emphasized the need to uncover the truth behind these allegations, stating, “We’re going to get to the bottom of all of it. It was a giant scam.”
In his brief remarks, Trump referenced House Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s earlier comments about Somali-Americans involved in the schemes. “He was talking about the Somalian population and not very nicely,” Trump noted.
Minnesota has faced numerous fraud allegations over several years that may have cost taxpayers billions, according to federal prosecutors. So far, 92 individuals have been arrested in connection with these schemes, with over 80 being Somali Americans.
<p“Other than that, we’re going to have a great new year,” he added. “We’re going to get to the bottom and we’re going to get that money back.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the administration is considering denaturalization for those involved among the Somali-Americans. “We’re also not afraid to use denaturalization,” she stated during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
Emmer took to social media earlier this week advocating for both denaturalization and deportation of every Somali implicated in fraud activities. He stated, “Send them home. If they’re here illegally, deport them immediately; if they’re naturalized citizens, revoke their citizenship and deport them quickly thereafter.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has faced backlash for allegedly being unaware of the ongoing fraud issues. Leavitt criticized him by saying, “People will be in handcuffs as a result of the fraud that Governor Walz has allowed to occur for many years.” She added that Trump would hold Walz accountable.
The administration has initiated measures aimed at addressing these alleged fraudulent activities by freezing all childcare payments to Minnesota.
