President Donald Trump has criticized Somalia, stating that the investigation into alleged fraud in Minnesota underscores the difficulties Western nations face with mass immigration from “failed” societies.
This scrutiny on Minnesota has intensified recently as the state deals with multiple fraud allegations affecting its social services. Most of those charged are Somali nationals living in Minnesota. Back in November 2025, Trump announced intentions to revoke Minnesota’s Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants, which serves as a safeguard against deportation.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump noted, “The situation in Minnesota is a reminder that Western countries can’t import a bunch of foreign cultures that haven’t been able to build successful societies of their own.” He further described Somalia as a “failed country” lacking in effective governance or law enforcement.
In December 2025, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed an investigation aimed at determining if Minnesota funds had been funneled to the Somalia-based terrorist group al-Shabab. Lawmakers are also probing into a reported $250 million fraud scheme named “Feeding Our Future,” which involved the Department of Agriculture and targeted child nutrition programs during the pandemic.
So far, at least 77 individuals have been indicted in this scheme, which exploited federal waivers on certain Child Nutrition Program requirements.
Additionally, the state is facing scrutiny over another fraud case related to the Housing Stability Services program, which aimed to provide Medicaid coverage for housing services to vulnerable populations. The Justice Department has indicted a few individuals for allegedly defrauding Medicaid programs in Minnesota, but this number is likely to rise.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Governor, Tim Walz, has responded to claims that the total fraud could exceed $9 billion, labeling them as exaggerated and sensational. Still, he acknowledged his responsibility in resolving these issues, stating, “I’m responsible for this, and more importantly, I’m the one to solve it.”
