As 2025 drew to a close, a stark divide emerged regarding the massive federal crackdown on financial malfeasance in Minnesota. While federal prosecutors charged dozens of Somali nationals with defrauding taxpayers of over $9 billion intended for social services—including the “Feeding Our Future” scandal—Democratic leaders and major media outlets coalesced around a narrative of defense, accusing critics of scapegoating the community.
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The contrast between the charges and the political response was perhaps most visible in the rhetoric of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Facing scrutiny over his administration’s handling of the fraud reports, Walz pivoted during a December 12 press conference to highlight crimes committed by white males.
“If that were the case, there’s a lot of white men [we] should be holding… accountable for the crimes that they have committed,” Walz told reporters when asked about accountability for the fraud. He suggested that many in the Somali community were “secondary victims” who were unknowingly signed up for fraudulent programs by providers. Walz framed the scrutiny as part of a broader “PR stunt” by President Donald Trump to indiscriminately target immigrants.
This sentiment was echoed emotionally in the state legislature. Democratic State Senator Ann Johnson Stewart issued a tearful apology at a Somali mosque, telling attendees she was “heartbroken by the horrible actions of our government.” Her colleague, Senator Steve Cwodzinski, reinforced the message, emphasizing diversity as the nation’s strength.
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Beyond Minnesota, prominent Democrats rallied to frame the investigations as politically motivated attacks. Representative Ilhan Omar characterized President Trump’s focus on the fraud as “creepy” and driven by bigotry, while Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey issued blanket statements of support, with Frey insisting that “nothing Donald Trump does” would change the city’s welcoming stance. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan even appeared on local Somali television wearing a hijab to declare the community “part of the fabric” of the state.
The corporate media largely mirrored these talking points throughout December. On MSNBC, analyst Mara Gay argued that the Somali population was being “scapegoated” by the far-right, dismissing the unique nature of the fraud by pointing to scandals in other states.
READ: Empty Daycares, Frozen Funds: Feds Expand Fraud Crackdown Beyond Minnesota
Tensions escalated further following the release of a documentary by YouTuber Nick Shirley, which alleged that certain Somali daycare centers receiving taxpayer funds were not providing services. CNN anchor Abby Phillip criticized Shirley’s investigative methods, stating the community was “under attack,” while Politico reporter Josh Gerstein sparked controversy by suggesting on social media that such “amateur efforts” to knock on doors could intersect with “stand-your-ground laws”—despite Minnesota being a “duty to retreat” state.
As the Department of Justice continues its probe into the staggering loss of funds, the political battle lines remain drawn: Republicans point to the $9 billion theft as evidence of broken systems, while Democrats and media allies insist the focus should remain on protecting the community from political backlash.
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