USDA Suspends $129m in Benefit Payments to Minnesota Amid Allegations of Widespread Fraud
The US Department of Agriculture has announced the suspension of $129 million in federal benefit payments to Minnesota, citing investigations into alleged widespread fraud by local non-profits and businesses. In a letter addressed to Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins accused the state administrations of refusing to provide basic information or take measures to stop such fraud.
The move comes amid allegations that the Trump administration has been targeting Minnesota over issues related to alleged widespread fraud, particularly involving the state's Somali population. Federal prosecutors estimate that as much as $9 billion has been stolen across schemes linked to Somali immigrants in the state.
In November 2020, the Trump administration ended legal protections for Somali immigrants in the state, claiming that "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing." The move was widely criticized as a xenophobic and divisive attempt to drive a wedge between communities.
The suspension of benefit payments is seen by some as an attempt to punish Minnesota for its handling of the fraud allegations. Governor Walz has acknowledged that the president's actions have taken advantage of the crisis to sow further division in the state.
Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison has publicly responded to the USDA's announcement, stating that he will not allow funds to be taken from Minnesotans in need. The move is being closely watched by civil rights groups and lawmakers, who are concerned about the impact on vulnerable populations such as low-income families with children.
The US Department of Agriculture has announced the suspension of $129 million in federal benefit payments to Minnesota, citing investigations into alleged widespread fraud by local non-profits and businesses. In a letter addressed to Minnesota's Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins accused the state administrations of refusing to provide basic information or take measures to stop such fraud.
The move comes amid allegations that the Trump administration has been targeting Minnesota over issues related to alleged widespread fraud, particularly involving the state's Somali population. Federal prosecutors estimate that as much as $9 billion has been stolen across schemes linked to Somali immigrants in the state.
In November 2020, the Trump administration ended legal protections for Somali immigrants in the state, claiming that "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing." The move was widely criticized as a xenophobic and divisive attempt to drive a wedge between communities.
The suspension of benefit payments is seen by some as an attempt to punish Minnesota for its handling of the fraud allegations. Governor Walz has acknowledged that the president's actions have taken advantage of the crisis to sow further division in the state.
Minnesota's Attorney General Keith Ellison has publicly responded to the USDA's announcement, stating that he will not allow funds to be taken from Minnesotans in need. The move is being closely watched by civil rights groups and lawmakers, who are concerned about the impact on vulnerable populations such as low-income families with children.
I'm kinda surprised they're doing this. Like, isn't that kinda harsh? $129 million is a lot of money, and it's going to affect people who really need it. I get that they gotta investigate stuff, but seems like an overreaction to me. Especially if there's allegations of widespread fraud... shouldn't they just focus on the culprits instead of suspending payments for everyone? 
And what's with the Trump admin trying to link this to Somali immigrants again? It feels like they're just stirring up trouble.
also, let's be real, targeting one community over another is just playing into the hands of racists and xenophobes. Minnesota's gotta stand up for itself here 
I get that they gotta investigate and all, but it seems like a pretty big chunk of change to just take away because of some alleged "fraud". What about the people who really need those benefits? 
Like low-income families with kids... are they gonna be okay? 
This is crazy! $129m in benefit payments suspended because of some shady stuff going on? Like what's the big deal? Can't they just work out a system to prevent this kind of thing from happening again? It sounds like the Trump administration is trying to play politics with people's lives. The Somali community gets hit with these allegations and it's all about "xenophobic" and "divisive". Come on, can we not focus on fixing problems instead of making assumptions and stirring up drama? 
really sad to hear this 
. suspension of 129 million dollars shouldnt affect people who need it most 
. seems like usda is more worried about politics than helping ppl in need 
. how are minnesotans supposed to survive without that money? 
USDA suspends 129m in benefits for minnesota because of alleged fraud lol what's next they're gonna suspend food stamps? 
meanwhile all this drama is just a smokescreen for the real issue - racism and xenophobia 
i mean come on trump's admin trying to punish minnesotans for how they handle allegations of widespread fraud sounds like a perfect recipe for division and suffering. gotta keep an eye on this one folks, especially with low-income families and kids affected 
This is a total disaster for anyone living in Minnesota! They're basically saying "screw you" to people who really need help because of some wild accusations against the Somali community 
. And now they're suspending $129 million in benefits? What about all those families struggling to make ends meet? It's just not right 
. I'm so tired of the US government using these kinds of tactics to divide people and punish them for something that isn't even their fault 
. This is a classic case of scapegoating a community and it needs to stop ASAP 
.
. i mean, $9 billion stolen by schemes linked to somali immigrants? that's insane 
. will the funds just get redirected somewhere else, or is this a full-blown investigation 
.
u know what's really messed up here? the layout of all these news articles is SO basic 
they always just dump a ton of info at ya without any clear headings or sections 
wouldn't it be better to break it down like, one topic per section? and can we please get rid of the "widespread fraud" buzzword already it's so overused 