Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) took to the airwaves Wednesday to air scathing allegations regarding a multi-billion-dollar fraud scandal in Minnesota. Appearing on Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt Tonight, the congressman detailed findings from a recent House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing, accusing state leadership of ignoring clear warnings of criminal activity for years.
The crux of the investigation centers on the misuse of public funds, which Donalds claims were diverted by fraudsters to purchase luxury items like private jets and real estate, and even sent abroad as remittances to groups like Al-Qaeda.
During his interview, Donalds was blunt regarding the culpability of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
“They absolutely knew what was going on. They watched it happen,” Donalds stated. He further claimed that Walz and Ellison appeared before the committee unprepared to address specific timelines regarding when they were notified of the illicit activity or what corrective measures were actually implemented.
A significant portion of the hearing focused on the treatment of those trying to expose the wrongdoing. Donalds alleged that his questioning established a pattern of intimidation against whistleblowers, specifically naming Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan as a participant in those efforts.
According to Donalds, the state executive branch only pivoted toward taking action once the scandal gained significant traction on social media.
“That was six years too late,” Donalds said, referring to the timeline of the alleged fraud. “Millions and billions of dollars were stolen, and it’s outrageous.”
The Congressman also suggested a political motive behind the delay in oversight. He argued that testimony from state officials indicated Walz and his former chief of staff were fully briefed on the situation but “dithered” instead of intervening. Donalds posited that the lack of action may have been an attempt to maintain a specific “voting base” within the state.
In response to the fallout, Governor Walz has expressed support for increased eligibility audits and program checks. However, Donalds remains skeptical of the legislative path forward, noting that House and Senate Democrats have historically blocked Republican-led efforts to add “teeth” to spending programs.
He concluded by advocating for the removal of the Senate filibuster as a means to bypass partisan gridlock and ensure taxpayer dollars reach intended recipients rather than international criminal organizations.
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