BREAKING: A Minnesota fraud probe just escalated—and Washington is now involved. What began as a local investigation has reached Capitol Hill, as James Comer moves forward with a subpoena that could reshape the case. With new evidence under review, scrutiny is intensifying—and questions are swirling about whether Tim Walz could be drawn in next. What triggered this move? Who’s now under the microscope? And what could it mean for Minnesota’s leadership?
Minnesota Fraud Investigation Escalates as Congress Weighs Subpoena of Governor Tim Walz
A sweeping fraud investigation in Minnesota has entered a new and more consequential phase, with the possibility that it could soon draw in the state’s highest elected official.
James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, said he is prepared to issue a subpoena to Tim Walz as part of the committee’s ongoing inquiry into an alleged large-scale fraud scheme involving state aid programs. The investigation centers on claims that hundreds of millions of dollars—potentially exceeding $1 billion—were improperly distributed through nonprofit organizations to individuals, including members of Minnesota’s Somali community.
Comer’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny over Minnesota’s oversight of pandemic-era assistance programs and renewed calls from Republican lawmakers for expanded federal review. According to Just the News, Comer emphasized that the committee is prepared to escalate its actions if requests for information are not met.
“If anyone who has received correspondence from us requesting information refuses to comply, they will receive a subpoena,” Comer said. “We’re serious about this. We are not backing down.”
Federal prosecutors allege that the fraud scheme involved nonprofit organizations such as Feeding Our Future, which are accused of submitting false claims for child nutrition services, housing assistance, and autism therapy programs that were never delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were allegedly siphoned through inflated or fabricated invoices, allowing millions in taxpayer dollars to be misappropriated.
Comer has argued that cooperation from Governor Walz and other top Minnesota Democrats—including Keith Ellison—will be critical in determining how the alleged misconduct went undetected for so long. He suggested that their limited public engagement with the investigation has raised additional concerns.
“Governor Walz is entitled to due process,” Comer said, “but the way he’s handled this—and the way Attorney General Ellison has largely remained silent—makes me believe there is a significant amount of waste, fraud, and abuse still to be uncovered.”
The investigation has taken on added sensitivity amid allegations that some of the misappropriated funds may have been linked to Al-Shabaab, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. While those claims remain under investigation, they have intensified federal involvement and heightened political tensions within Minnesota, particularly among its sizable Somali population.
Republican lawmakers have long argued that large, Democratic-led social assistance programs are especially vulnerable to fraud and mismanagement. Those arguments gained traction earlier this year after the Department of Government Efficiency reviewed and canceled several USAID-funded projects, citing concerns over spending oversight.
Comer suggested the Minnesota case may not be isolated. “What we’re seeing here could very well be happening in other states,” he said, adding that Minnesota may represent the most severe example—but not the only one—of systemic oversight failures in states governed by Democrats.
As chairman, Comer has previously overseen high-profile investigations, including inquiries into the business dealings of Hunter Biden. Those efforts included the release of bank records showing payments from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma and testimony from former business associate Devon Archer regarding interactions with then–Vice President Joe Biden. Comer has cited those investigations as evidence of what he views as a broader pattern of insufficient accountability at the highest levels of government.
The Minnesota controversy has also begun to resonate locally. According to Newsweek, a social media account claiming to represent hundreds of employees within the Minnesota Department of Human Services accused Governor Walz of failing in his oversight responsibilities, asserting that he bears direct responsibility for the scale of the alleged fraud.
As federal and state investigations continue, the prospect of a congressional subpoena has raised the stakes considerably. Whether Governor Walz will be formally compelled to testify or produce documents could shape not only the outcome of the probe, but also the political future of Minnesota’s leadership.
For now, the investigation remains active—and the pressure from Washington is mounting.
