Citing whistleblowers’ allegations that Minnesota officials covered up or ignored massive welfare fraud, a powerful congressional committee is investigating—and demanding responses from the state’s governor and attorney general.
The House Committee on Oversight announced Dec. 3 that it is probing reports of “widespread fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs under Governor Tim Walz’s watch, the state’s efforts to cover it up, and retaliation against whistleblowers who sought to protect taxpayer dollars.”
That investigation is the latest development in emerging welfare-fraud scandals in the North Star State. Dozens of suspects—mostly Somalis—have been prosecuted in three major cases, with more charges expected. Federal prosecutors say networks of fraudsters made false claims that bilked potentially billions of taxpayer dollars from welfare programs in Minnesota. In response, President Donald Trump and his administration have taken various actions, including increased immigration enforcement….