Sen. Josh Hawley Presses for Charges Against Minnesota Attorney General
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) is calling for the indictment of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D), alleging that Ellison accepted campaign contributions from individuals linked to a fraudulent scheme involving Somali groups, in order to avoid scrutiny from state and federal authorities.
During a Senate Homeland Security hearing on Thursday, Hawley criticized Ellison for a federal report indicating that prominent Minnesota officials were accused of accepting donations tied to the “Feeding Our Future” fraud scandal. This scheme reportedly saw around $9 billion in taxpayer funds misappropriated under the pretense of providing meals to needy children.
The report claims that Ellison received multiple $2,500 contributions from individuals involved in the fraudulent activities, who were concerned that federal investigators were improperly probing into their finances.
“Were you aware of the historic $9 billion fraud occurring in your state? This includes $250 million from the Nourishing Our Future program alone,” Hawley pressed. Ellison acknowledged his awareness of the situation.
Hawley continued, recalling how, on December 11, 2021, people from the ‘Feeding Our Future’ program visited Ellison’s office seeking assistance in dealing with ongoing investigations.
They spent over an hour expressing their grievances about state investigators and pleading with you for support. You surprisingly consented to help them, and, well, we have evidence of that. Why would you help them?
Ellison refuted the claims of having cooperated with the alleged scammers but admitted that he received $10,000 from them shortly after this meeting.
“You facilitated fraud against your state and the federal government, benefiting from considerable campaign contributions. You deserve prosecution,” Hawley stated, to which Ellison retorted by accusing Hawley of dishonesty.
“This is all documented, sir. Have you checked where the money you helped them steal ended up? Do you know its destination or what it financed? This was discussed in testimonies yesterday,” Hawley elaborated. “Significant amounts went to criminal enterprises, including drug and child trafficking, and you took $10,000 to assist them.”
Hawley further suggested that Ellison should resign from his position as Minnesota attorney general.
As of December last year, the Feeding Our Future scandal had led to charges against 85 individuals, primarily of Somali descent. To date, 60 convictions have emerged from the investigation.
