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President Donald Trump spoke out against alleged welfare fraud in Minnesota during a speech at Mar-a-Lago's New Year's Eve celebration on Wednesday.
“Can you believe they stole $18 billion,” Trump said. “That's exactly what we're learning about. This is nonsense. And California is worse, Illinois is worse, and, unfortunately, New York is even worse.”
Trump continued: “We're going to get to the bottom of this. giant scam“
Trump added that earlier on Wednesday he saw Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., on television talking about alleged fraud involving the Somali community.
President Donald Trump speaks with guests during a New Year's Eve event at his Mar-a-Lago home on Dec. 31. (Joe Radle/Getty Images)
“He was talking about the people of Somalia, and not very politely,” Trump said.
Trump's comments sounded like Minnesota was It has been hit by widespread fraud allegations with losses estimated at up to $1 billion, and federal prosecutors have charged dozens of people in connection with the alleged fraudulent activity.
White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt issued a stark warning Wednesday:people will be in handcuffs“as fallout widens due to widespread allegations of fraud under Minnesota's governor. Tim Waltz.
CHAIRMAN OF MINNESOTA'S FRAUD COMMITTEE CLAIMES WALC 'TURNED EYES' TO FRAUD WARNINGS FOR YEARS
President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign event Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“President Trump will not allow Governor Walz off the hook,” Leavitt said on “Fox & Friends.”
Walz came under scrutiny after the cheating problem came to light and publicly acknowledged the problem and vowed to fix it, saying the situation was “on my watch” and that he was “responsible” for fixing it.
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Gov. Tim Walz has come under scrutiny after Minnesota's fraud problem came to light. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Leavitt added that Trump administration has increased federal resources in Minnesota, with multiple agencies conducting investigations related to the alleged fraud.
On Tuesday, the US Department of Health and Human Services said it would freeze all child care payments to Minnesota amid growing attention to allegations of fraud involving day care centers across Minnesota.
