U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media before boarding Marine One upon departure for New York, in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
President Donald Trump posted status update claiming that violent protests in Minnesota have to do with a $20 billion dollar welfare fraud scandal and not the slaying of two U.S. citizens.
Trump wrote: "I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me. Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets. Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at 'Congresswoman' Illhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT"
While Trump posts Omar's title in quotes, she is an elected member of Congress.
In early 2026, a welfare fraud investigation in Minnesota drew significant attention after federal officials linked it to immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The investigation reportedly focused on allegations of fraud within Minnesota's social services system, with federal authorities claiming fraudulent claims totaling millions of dollars.
The case became controversial when some officials, including those in the Trump administration, cited it as justification for expanded immigration enforcement actions in the state.
Critics argued that the investigation was being politicized and used to characterize entire communities, particularly Somali Americans, as prone to fraud. The investigation involved multiple state and federal agencies and raised questions about coordination between law enforcement and immigration authorities. Local and state officials disputed characterizations of the scope and nature of the alleged fraud, and civil rights advocates raised concerns about potential discrimination in how the investigation was being conducted and publicly discussed.