Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) took a decisive step by formally referring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) and Attorney General Keith Ellison to the Department of Justice. The referral comes after a House Oversight Committee hearing, where evidence was presented that could suggest both officials had potential criminal involvement in a fraud scheme affecting the Somali community.
"Based on testimony today, I have enough evidence to believe both [Walz] and [Ellison] were knowingly complicit in a Somali fraud scheme in Minnesota," stated Rep. Luna in a recent tweet.
During the hearing, which took place on Wednesday, Rep. Luna indicated that the testimony provided sufficient grounds to suspect the officials’ knowing participation in the fraudulent activities. The allegations primarily focus on Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit organization accused of misusing federal and state funds totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Despite repeated warnings from auditors, whistleblowers, and investigative journalists, the administration allegedly continued to authorize the payments.
In a statement issued on social media, Rep. Luna emphasized the systemic failure to address the fraudulent activities, with Walz purportedly allowing the fraud to proliferate unchecked. The Blaze reported that Minnesota State Rep. Kristin Robbins (R) accused Governor Walz of deliberately ignoring crime despite numerous reports from whistleblowers and auditors, highlighting the need for accountability.
Ellison's actions have also been scrutinized. A recorded conversation allegedly indicates Ellison's willingness to oppose the Minnesota Department of Human Services in return for political and financial support from Somali donors. Rep. Luna argues that such an arrangement could represent a breach of U.S. Code 371, which criminalizes conspiracies to defraud the United States.
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) has requested that Walz and Ellison submit documents, communications, and other records pertaining to the alleged fraud. The two officials are scheduled to testify before the committee on February 10, 2026.
President Donald Trump addressed the issue on social media, criticizing Walz for his management of state funds and hinting at possible consequences for the governor's political future. Conservative organizations, like Action 4 Liberty, have applauded Rep. Luna's move, viewing it as a necessary step to hold politicians accountable for misusing taxpayer resources. They stress that the DOJ’s review could lead to federal criminal charges if compelling evidence is discovered.
The referral by Rep. Luna seeks to ensure that elected officials adhere to the same legal standards as ordinary citizens. Many conservatives believe the action could deter other politicians from overlooking systemic fraud. As the inquiry progresses, the implications of this case could significantly impact discussions on transparency, government accountability, and the application of federal laws governing public funds. The February 10 committee hearing is poised to attract considerable attention from political commentators and watchdog organizations across the nation.
