Sen. Hawley Criticizes Minnesota Attorney General Over Fraud Case

Senator Josh Hawley recently confronted Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during a tense exchange on Capitol Hill. Hawley accused Ellison of overlooking whistleblowers for an extended period and suggested that he should face jail time on bribery charges linked to a fraud scheme.

This confrontation occurred during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing that focused on the “Feeding the Future” scandal. The nonprofit involved made false claims about feeding thousands of children during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though there was minimal food distribution.

The Justice Department has indicted at least 78 individuals connected to this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick revealed that around $250 million in federal funds was misappropriated and not used to assist those in need.

“$250 million was stolen,” Hawley stated during an appearance on “Hannity.”

YouTuber to Testify about a $9 Billion Fraud Investigation in Minnesota

Hawley further claimed that Ellison had met with individuals tied to the scheme and was urged to silence investigators. He asserted that Ellison later received a $10,000 campaign contribution from the organization.

“The whistleblower came to him, and he did nothing. Only when the fraudsters approached him did he take action and hold out his hand. That’s essentially a bribe,” Hawley argued.

In response, Ellison denied these allegations and said Hawley misrepresented the meeting, emphasizing that his office supported investigations leading to convictions.

Nonetheless, Hawley intensified his accusations, stating that Ellison should be “indicted” and “go to jail.” He remarked, “Do you want to understand why we have a corruption issue in this country? It’s people like Keith Ellison.”

Criticism of Governor Walz over Fraud Investigation

In reaction to these claims, Ellison’s office released a statement asserting his commitment to fighting fraud. He mentioned that he has pursued and convicted 300 individuals involved in Medicaid fraud over the past seven years.

Minnesota is currently under the spotlight from lawmakers due to allegations of welfare fraud concerning food assistance and childcare programs. Recently, former President Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that the fraud in Minnesota could be “much larger” than the reported $19 billion.