Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a federal investigation into explosive allegations that Minnesota taxpayer funds were funneled to the Somali terrorist organization Al-Shabaab under the Biden administration’s watch.
Story Highlights
- Trump administration is investigating claims that Minnesota tax money went to Al-Shabaab terrorists
- Treasury Secretary Bessent blames the Biden administration and Governor Walz for “feckless mismanagement.”
- $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud case already resulted in five convictions in 2024
- President Trump revoked legal protections for Somali residents in Minnesota over fraud concerns
Trump Administration Takes Swift Action on Terror Funding Claims
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday that the Trump administration ordered an immediate investigation into allegations that Minnesota taxpayer funds reached Al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based terrorist organization.
Bessent posted on social platform X that he discovered evidence of tax funds flowing to the terrorist group during the previous administration’s tenure. The Treasury chief directly blamed the “feckless mismanagement of the Biden Administration and Governor Tim Walz” for the potential security breach.
BREAKING: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched a federal probe into claims that Minnesota tax dollars were siphoned to the terrorist group Al-Shabaab under the Biden administration and Governor Tim Walz – an allegation he said demands urgent scrutiny. pic.twitter.com/BvRfsm1oNz
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 2, 2025
Massive Welfare Fraud Schemes Exposed in Minnesota
The investigation centers on millions of dollars allegedly diverted from Minnesota welfare programs to the terrorist organization, according to reports from City Journal that prompted Republican state lawmakers to request federal intervention.
The most prominent case involves Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit organization that orchestrated a $250 million fraud scheme targeting COVID-19 pandemic relief funds intended to feed children. Five individuals were convicted in 2024 for misusing these critical emergency funds during America’s time of greatest need.
Somali Community Connections Raise National Security Concerns
CBS News reported that most individuals charged in Minnesota’s various fraud cases belong to the state’s Somali community, raising questions about oversight and vetting procedures.
Former U.S. Attorney Andy Lugar told The Minnesota Star Tribune that convicted fraudsters “were looking to get rich, not fund overseas terrorism,” though the Treasury investigation will determine the ultimate destination of stolen funds. This pattern of fraud within a specific community highlights the importance of proper screening and monitoring of taxpayer-funded programs.
Walz Defends Community While Trump Takes Decisive Action
Governor Tim Walz defended Minnesota’s Somali population during a recent speaking event, urging critics not to “paint an entire group of people with that same brush” while claiming to welcome federal investigation assistance.
However, President Trump already took decisive action in November 2025 by revoking legal protections for Somali residents in Minnesota, specifically citing Walz’s management of what Trump called “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”
This swift presidential response demonstrates the new administration’s commitment to protecting taxpayer funds and preventing potential terrorist financing through American welfare systems.
