A leaked audio recording reveals Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison pledging support to individuals later convicted in a $250 million fraud scheme, raising explosive questions about whether state leadership enabled one of the largest taxpayer scams in American history.
Story Highlights
- December 2021 audio captures AG Ellison promising to help individuals who would later be convicted in the massive “Feeding Our Future” fraud
- $250 million in federal funds designated for feeding children and serving vulnerable populations was fraudulently diverted, with allegations some reached terrorist networks
- Congressional Republicans demand accountability after discovering campaign donations flowed from fraudsters to Ellison following the meeting
- Whistleblowers allege Ellison and Governor Walz retaliated against state employees who raised concerns about the widespread fraud
State Leadership’s Troubling Meeting With Convicted Fraudsters
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison met with members of the Somali community in December 2021, pledging to help them if regulatory agencies attempted to shut down their operations. The audio, obtained by Fox News, captures Ellison expressing frustration with state agencies and assuring attendees of his support. Several individuals present at that meeting would later be convicted in the “Feeding Our Future” fraud scheme that defrauded taxpayers of $250 million. The Department of Justice has charged 98 defendants, with 64 convicted to date, making this one of the largest federal fraud cases in recent history.
Vulnerable Americans Denied Services While Funds Disappeared
The fraud scheme targeted federal programs designed to feed children, serve autistic individuals, house low-income seniors, and provide Medicaid services to disabled Americans. Rather than delivering these critical services, fraudsters submitted false claims and diverted funds through informal money transfer networks known as Hawala. Congressional testimony revealed alarming allegations that some stolen taxpayer dollars reached Somalia, with potential connections to terrorist organizations including Al-Shabab. This represents not just fiscal mismanagement but a potential national security threat, with hardworking Americans’ tax dollars possibly funding enemies of the United States.
Campaign Contributions and Questions of Quid Pro Quo
During January 2026 congressional hearings, Representative Jim Jordan pressed state officials on whether campaign donations flowed from the fraudsters to Ellison’s campaign following the December 2021 meeting. State representatives confirmed this occurred, raising serious questions about potential quid pro quo arrangements. Ellison’s office insists nothing resulted from the meeting and characterizes it as fraudsters exploiting good-faith constituent engagement. However, the audio reveals Ellison’s focus on ensuring continued funding flow rather than investigating potential irregularities, a pattern that concerns fiscal conservatives who understand government’s proper role is protecting taxpayers, not enabling those who exploit them.
Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Who Sounded the Alarm
State representatives testified before Congress that Governor Tim Walz and AG Ellison not only failed to prevent the widespread fraud but allegedly retaliated against whistleblowers who raised concerns. This pattern of silencing those who expose government failures represents the kind of government overreach that erodes accountability and public trust. The Trump Administration is continuing efforts to hold responsible parties accountable, though questions remain about whether state leadership will face consequences. The fact that 85 of 98 charged defendants are of Somali descent has created delicate community relations challenges, though congressional testimony emphasized that the vast majority of community members are law-abiding citizens victimized by criminals who exploited ethnic networks.
Congressional Oversight Demands Answers and Reform
Republican-controlled congressional committees are pursuing legislative solutions to prevent similar fraud schemes while demanding accountability from Minnesota’s leadership. The Department of Justice’s investigation involved 1,750 subpoenas, 130 search warrants, and over 1,000 witness interviews, demonstrating the massive scope of this coordinated criminal enterprise. Ellison denies wrongdoing and claims he was completely unaware of criminal activity during the meeting. His office states he was surprised to find multiple people present at what was supposed to be a meeting with one friend. However, the audio recording, which was entered as trial evidence but never introduced during proceedings, contradicts claims of a casual encounter and suggests a more organized community meeting where promises were made.
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KSTP: Ellison pushes back after secret audio tapes posted online
