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Walz Tried to Dodges Blame Over $8 Billion Somali Fraud Scandal

Published

4 months ago

December 7, 2025

Walz Dodges Blame Over $8 Billion Welfare Fraud Scandal

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is facing one of the biggest welfare fraud scandals in American history, with federal officials warning that theft from state and federal aid programmes could top $8 billion.

The alleged fraud, centred on schemes that targeted food assistance, housing support, and services for vulnerable families, has highlighted serious gaps in oversight under Democratic Governor Tim Walz. As the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) ramp up investigations,

Tim Walz is under intense pressure for refusing to accept responsibility and instead pointing to federal Covid-era rules and partisan attacks.

What started as a few reports of oddities in child nutrition spending has grown into what prosecutors now describe as the largest Covid fraud case in the country. Shell companies, many reportedly linked to Minnesota’s Somali-American community, are accused of billing for services that never happened, then spending the cash on luxury cars, high-end goods, foreign transfers, and possibly terror-linked transactions.

So far, 78 people have been charged and more than 50 convicted, while the needs of vulnerable children and families were pushed aside in favour of yachts, mansions, and designer labels.

How the Fraud Grew

At the centre of the scandal is the Feeding Our Future case, involving a nonprofit that grew at astonishing speed during the Covid pandemic. The group received federal child nutrition funds that were distributed by the Minnesota Department of Education and meant to pay for meals for low-income children.

Instead, operators are accused of submitting invoices for millions of meals that never existed, with some sites operating as little more than paperwork mills pretending to serve food at $4.50 per fake meal.

DOJ documents outline how the fraud spiralled once rules were loosened in 2020. As pandemic emergency measures relaxed checks and documentation, Feeding Our Future’s annual budget jumped from about $3.4 million to around $200 million.

Insiders at the state agency flagged odd claims as far back as 2019, but meaningful action lagged. A 2022 state audit condemned officials for “creating opportunities for fraud” by brushing aside glaring warning signs, such as meal counts that made no sense and sites listed in strip malls with no proper verification.

The problems were not limited to food programmes. Similar scams cropped up in Housing Stabilization Services (HSS), a scheme created to keep older people and people with disabilities from becoming homeless. Launched in 2020 with a forecast cost of about $2.6 million, it exploded to $104 million in payments by 2024, with investigators now saying most of that money was fraudulent.

Some providers allegedly scraped names from rehab centres, then billed Medicaid for bogus counselling that never took place, pocketing about $61 million in just the first half of 2025. Another group is accused of netting $14 million through false claims for autism therapy, exploiting families desperate for real support.

Unemployment benefits were also hit. During the height of the pandemic, officials say roughly $500 million went out in fake jobless claims. The Centre of the American Experiment’s Minnesota Scandal Tracker now records more than $1.2 billion in confirmed losses since Walz took office in 2019. Even so, whistleblowers and some lawmakers now talk about a much higher figure.

Representative Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) has repeated concerns that the true total could reach $8 billion, which she said is “growing by the day”. That would exceed the state’s entire annual corrections budget and comes straight from programmes meant to help the poorest residents.

Critics, including former fraud investigator Kayseh Magan, blame political caution for the slow response. They argue that leading Democrats in Minnesota felt uneasy about targeting fraud in the Somali community, which numbers around 80,000 people and has political influence in the state.

Magan, himself Somali-American, has said it is “uncomfortable and true” that most defendants come from his community, while stressing that the offenders represent a small group exploiting the system. Photos showing convicted offender Abdul Dahir Ibrahim smiling alongside Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar have fuelled public anger and strengthened claims that cosy political relationships gave scammers cover.

Tim Walz’s Pushback: “I Take Responsibility for Putting People in Jail”

Governor Tim Walz, once marketed as an easy-going everyman, has become the political face of the scandal. On NBC’s “Meet the Press“, when asked about his responsibility, Walz replied, “Certainly, I take responsibility for putting people in jail.”

The remark has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. An anonymous account claiming to speak for 480 staff members at the Minnesota Department of Human Services called him “100% responsible” and accused his administration of ignoring alarms and punishing whistleblowers.

Walz’s defence has not convinced many sceptics. He has described Minnesota as a “well-run” state with “generous” programmes and has pointed to strong rankings in education and health coverage to argue that the system works overall, even with major fraud cases. Records and court filings tell a different story.

In 2020, a judge reprimanded state officials for cutting off payments to Feeding Our Future without proper procedure, a decision that delayed tougher action. Later, federal authorities asked the state to hold back on some moves to avoid tipping off targets. Even so, state audits have still faulted Walz’s team for earlier failures and poor controls.

On 3 December, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) opened a formal inquiry and demanded documents from Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison by 17 December. His letter accused the administration of a “cover-up”, citing reports of retaliation against staff who tried to expose fraud.

Comer asked, “What did your administration know, and when?” The U.S. Treasury is also looking at whether money stolen from welfare schemes might have moved to al-Shabaab through hawala networks, a type of informal money transfer, raising fresh concerns about national security.

Walz insists he has nothing to hide and says he welcomes review of the state’s actions, but he has attacked Republican critics for what he describes as anti-immigrant motives and election-year tactics. In a state where Somali voters have helped deliver key wins for Democrats, the political risks are obvious.

Some critics say that focusing on accountability could upset a core voting bloc. Social media is full of anger, with one user writing, “Walz’s Elmer Fudd act isn’t fooling anyone, this happened on his watch.”

Federal Investigators Move In: FBI and DOJ Take the Lead

With trust in state oversight weakening, federal agencies have stepped in as the main force tackling fraud in Minnesota’s welfare system. Since raids on Feeding Our Future sites began in 2022, the FBI and DOJ have brought charges against 78 people tied to that network alone. As recently as August 2025, three more defendants pleaded guilty to about $2.4 million in fake claims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson described the situation as a “far-reaching fraud crisis swamping Minnesota” and praised FBI financial experts for piecing together complex chains of shell companies and bribes.

In September, eight more individuals were indicted in the Housing Stabilization Services case after a joint investigation by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services. BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said, “Criminals selfishly defraud these programmes, depriving vulnerable Minnesotans,” as investigators tracked stolen money into luxury goods from brands like Louis Vuitton and into foreign business accounts.

In one instance, a defendant is accused of washing about $1.38 million through personal bank accounts.

The investigations are still active and expanding. FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston has promised that investigators are “steadfast in holding accountable those who steal from underprivileged children.”

With questions mounting about possible links to al-Shabaab through hawala transfers, former counterterrorism officials have warned that yes, Covid fraud can feed into extremist networks abroad. Figures in former President Trump’s orbit have seized on the scandal, with ICE raids in Somali neighbourhoods and public comments painting Minnesota as a “fraud hub.”

Pressure on the Somali Community

Minnesota’s Somali community, which has become a central part of life in Minneapolis over the past three decades, now finds itself caught in the middle of a national controversy. Community leaders condemn efforts to “demonise an entire group fleeing civil war”, a line Walz echoed during his NBC interview.

Representative Ilhan Omar, who has faced renewed scrutiny for her connections to some involved figures, told CNN that “these Covid programmes were set up so quickly,” arguing that rushed design and weak controls opened the door to abuse.

Inside the community, tensions are rising. Some Somali Americans say they feel treated as suspects simply because of their background, while others demand a tougher response to those who exploited public trust. Social media comments show how raw the debate has become. One user ranted, “At least 75% of the Somali community on welfare, Walz, Omar, Ellison taking cuts?”

Right-wing commentators have linked the scandal to “open borders and expansive welfare”, while analyst David Asman and historian Victor Davis Hanson have accused Walz of refusing to speak plainly about the scale and nature of the problem.

Tim Walz’s Future in Doubt

As federal investigations press forward and new details emerge, the scandal is reshaping Minnesota’s political outlook. Walz is expected to seek re-election in 2026, but opponents already see an opening. Republicans frame the saga as proof that Democrats have turned Minnesota into a “failed state”.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) has used the case to hammer home a simple message, asking voters which party they trust with their tax money. Media figures have joined in, with Meghan McCain calling for Walz to resign and calling the welfare scandal “one of the greatest frauds in American history.”

Efforts to claw back stolen funds have moved slowly. So far, only a small part of the billions believed to be lost has been recovered. Policymakers are talking about new guardrails, such as tougher background checks for providers, real-time data tracking, and dedicated fraud units with more independence.

For now, though, many Minnesotans feel punished twice, once when the money was stolen, and again as the state tries to repair broken systems using the same taxpayers’ funds.

The sense of betrayal runs deep. Posts on X warn that “what we uncover will shock America,” and many residents say their faith in state government has sunk to a new low. While lakes and natural beauty still define Minnesota in the public imagination, trust in public institutions seems to sink further every week.

Whether Governor Walz will take full responsibility for what critics call an £8 billion disaster, or continue to argue that federal rules, courts, and political enemies tied his hands, remains at the centre of the fight. Federal agencies keep filing cases, new defendants keep appearing in court, and public outrage continues to grow. For now, the scandal shows no sign of fading from view.

News

Trump Warns China as Vance Leads Peace Talks with Iran

Published

12 hours ago

April 12, 2026

VORNews

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Beijing, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy as Vice President JD Vance heads a high-level delegation to Pakistan for unprecedented talks with Iranian officials.

In a bold escalation of rhetoric, President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to the People’s Republic of China regarding its military involvement in the Middle East. Speaking from the Oval Office, the President made it clear that any attempt by Beijing to supply weaponry to Iran would be met with severe consequences.

“China is going to have big problems—very big problems—if they decide to ship weapons to Iran,” Trump stated. “We are looking for peace, but we are also looking at the facts. You cannot play both sides of the fence when the stability of the world is at stake.”

The warning comes as intelligence reports suggest increased logistics cooperation between Beijing and Tehran. For the Trump administration, the message is twofold: a demand for Chinese neutrality and a demonstration of American leverage over global trade routes and sanctions.

Potential Consequences for China

The administration has hinted at several “levers” it could pull should Beijing ignore this warning:

Secondary Sanctions: Targeting Chinese banks and firms that facilitate arms transfers.
Trade Restrictions: Implementing further tariffs or export controls on sensitive technology.
Diplomatic Isolation: Working with allies to limit Chinese influence in Middle Eastern security frameworks.

The Islamabad Summit: A High-Stakes Peace Mission

While the President maintains a hardline stance toward external interference, a different scene is unfolding in Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance is currently leading a specialized U.S. delegation to Islamabad for a Saturday meeting with high-ranking Iranian officials.

This mission represents one of the most significant diplomatic gambles of the Trump presidency. The goal is clear: to establish a “path to peace” and de-escalate years of mounting tension that have brought the region to the brink of open conflict.

The Delegation Members

The composition of the U.S. team suggests a blend of traditional diplomacy and transactional deal-making:

Vice President JD Vance: Representing the administration’s “America First” foreign policy, focused on ending “endless wars” while maintaining U.S. strength.
Steve Witkoff: A trusted confidant of the President and special envoy known for his pragmatic approach to complex negotiations.
Jared Kushner: The architect of the Abraham Accords, returning to the diplomatic fold to leverage his existing relationships in the region.

Why Pakistan?

The choice of Pakistan as a venue is no accident. Islamabad has long maintained a delicate balancing act between its relationship with the United States and its neighbor, Iran. By choosing this neutral ground, both Washington and Tehran are signaling a willingness to step outside the usual frameworks of Western-led summits.

Sources close to the delegation suggest that Pakistan’s leadership has been instrumental in facilitating the logistics for this meeting, acting as a “quiet bridge” between the two adversaries.

The Iranian Perspective

Tehran’s decision to meet with the Vance-led delegation follows months of economic pressure and internal debate. While the Iranian leadership remains publicly cautious, the presence of figures like Kushner—who has a track record of facilitating regional agreements—indicates that the talks may move beyond rhetoric into the realm of tangible concessions.

Key discussion points are expected to include:

Sanctions Relief: Iran is seeking a pathway to re-enter global energy markets.
Regional Security: A cessation of hostilities involving proxy groups.
Nuclear Limitations: Reviving a framework for monitoring Iranian nuclear capabilities that satisfies U.S. security requirements.

Global Reactions and AI Search Trends

The news has sent ripples through global markets and digital spaces. International observers are questioning whether this “Carrot and Stick” approach—threatening China while talking to Iran—can produce a lasting equilibrium.

Market Impact:

Oil Prices: Crude futures showed volatility following the announcement, as traders weighed the possibility of a “peace dividend” against the threat of new sanctions on China.
Defense Stocks: Renewed interest in maritime security and surveillance technology as the U.S. monitors Chinese shipping lanes.

Challenges to the Peace Path

Despite the optimistic headlines, significant hurdles remain. Hardliners in both Washington and Tehran are skeptical of a “quick fix.” Furthermore, China’s reaction to Trump’s warning could redefine the success of the Pakistan summit. If Beijing feels backed into a corner, it may increase its support for Iran simply to counter American influence.

Conclusion: A New Era of Diplomacy?

The events of this Saturday could define the foreign policy legacy of the current administration. By combining aggressive economic threats against spoilers like China with direct, high-level engagement with adversaries like Iran, President Trump is attempting to rewrite the diplomatic playbook.

Whether Vice President Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner can return from Islamabad with a framework for peace remains to be seen. However, the world is now on notice: the United States is willing to talk, but it is equally prepared to act.

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Eric Swalwell Faces Explosive Rape Accusation From Former Staffer

Published

13 hours ago

April 12, 2026

VORNews

SACRAMENTO, CA — U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, a prominent Democrat and a front-runner in the 2026 California gubernatorial race, is facing a political and legal firestorm following a series of explosive sexual misconduct allegations.

On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported that a former congressional staffer has accused Swalwell of raping her, while three other women have come forward with claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, leading to a mass exodus of campaign staff and a chorus of calls for Swalwell’s resignation from high-ranking officials, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The most serious charge comes from an unnamed woman who previously worked in Swalwell’s district office. In interviews, the woman detailed two non-consensual encounters:

2019 Incident: The staffer claims she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell in California while she was an employee in his office. She stated she was “heavily intoxicated” and unable to provide consent.
2024 Incident: A second alleged assault occurred in a New York hotel room after she had left his staff. The woman told CNN she was “pushing him off” and saying no, but he did not stop.
Physical Evidence: The accuser described being left “bruised and bleeding” following the 2024 encounter. Reports indicate that friends and family members have corroborated that she spoke to them about the trauma shortly after it occurred.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office confirmed on Saturday that it has opened an investigation into the New York allegations, urging any potential witnesses to contact their Special Victims Division.

A Pattern of Misconduct: Three Other Accusers

Beyond the former staffer’s harrowing account, three additional women have come forward to detail a pattern of alleged sexual harassment by the Congressman. These claims include:

Unsolicited Explicit Material: Two women allege receiving unwanted sexual messages and explicit images from Swalwell.
Unwelcome Advances: Accusers described a history of “unwelcome advances” and “inappropriate touching” that occurred over several years.
Retaliation Claims: Some women reported receiving “cease-and-desist” letters from Swalwell’s legal team shortly before the stories went public, which critics describe as an attempt to silence victims.

Rep. Swalwell has vehemently denied the allegations of sexual assault, calling them “politically motivated lies” timed to sabotage his bid for Governor. In a video statement released Friday night, a defiant Swalwell addressed the public.

“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They did not happen,” Swalwell said. While he admitted to “mistakes in judgment” regarding his marriage—issuing a public apology to his wife, Brittany Ann Watts—he maintained that no criminal or non-consensual acts ever took place. His legal team argues that the former staffer maintained a “voluntary and cooperative relationship” with him for years, even seeking job references after the alleged incidents.

Political Fallout and Resignations

The impact on Swalwell’s campaign has been immediate and devastating. His bid to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom appears to be in a state of collapse as key supporters withdraw their endorsements.

Major Developments in the Scandal:

Staff Resignations: Senior campaign advisers, including Courtni Pugh, and several congressional staffers have resigned, stating they are “horrified” by the reports.
Loss of Endorsements: High-profile Democrats, including California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, have called for him to drop out of the race.
Democratic Leadership Response: Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the allegations “deeply disturbing” and urged a swift, transparent investigation.
Suspended Funding: “Californians for a Fighter,” a major super PAC supporting Swalwell, has suspended its operations.

As the Manhattan DA begins its probe, the House Ethics Committee is also expected to face pressure to open a formal inquiry. While Swalwell has vowed to “fight with everything I have,” the severity of the “bruised and bleeding” testimony, combined with the testimony of three other women, has created a hurdle that many political analysts believe is insurmountable.

The June non-partisan primary is just weeks away. For now, the Congressman remains in his seat, though his future in both the Capitol and the Governor’s mansion hangs by a thread.

Trending News:

Eric Swalwell’s Governor Campaign in Crisis After Multiple Assault Allegations Surface

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Moon Mission Success: Artemis II Crew Splashes Down Safely in the Pacific

Published

14 hours ago

April 12, 2026

VORNews

Moon Mission Success: Artemis II Crew Splashes Down Safely in the Pacific

SAN DIEGO – The roar of the engines has been replaced by the gentle lapping of Pacific waves. Today, humanity took its biggest leap toward the lunar surface in over fifty years as the Artemis II mission concluded with a perfect splashdown off the coast of California.

The Orion spacecraft, scorched from its fiery re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere, bobbed in the water as Navy recovery teams moved in. Onboard were four pioneers who now hold a place in the history books, having completed a ten-day journey that took them further into deep space than any human has ever traveled.

The recovery operation was a precision dance between NASA and the U.S. Navy. The USS San Diego stood by as helicopters and inflatable boats surrounded the capsule.

The crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—emerged from the hatch to the cheers of recovery teams. Despite the physical toll of returning from microgravity, the astronauts appeared in high spirits, waving to the cameras that captured the moment for millions watching around the globe.

Key Milestones of the Artemis II Mission

This wasn’t just a flight; it was a stress test for the future of human exploration. During their 10.3-day mission, the crew achieved several historic firsts:

Deep Space Record: The crew traveled thousands of miles beyond the far side of the moon, setting a record for the furthest distance from Earth reached by a crewed spacecraft.
Life Support Validation: This was the first time the Orion’s life support systems were tested with humans on board in the harsh environment of deep space.
Diverse Representation: The mission included the first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-American (Canadian) to fly to the vicinity of the moon.

The Fiery Path Home

The return to Earth is often the most dangerous part of any lunar mission. Orion hit the top of the atmosphere traveling at nearly 25,000 miles per hour.

As the spacecraft pushed against the air, the heat shield endured temperatures of about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit—half as hot as the surface of the sun. For several minutes, the friction of re-entry caused a total communications blackout, a tense period of silence that ended only when the first drogue parachutes blossomed against the blue California sky.

“Everything worked exactly as the simulations predicted,” said a NASA flight director during a press briefing shortly after the landing. “The heat shield performed flawlessly, and the skip-entry maneuver allowed us to pinpoint the landing site with incredible accuracy.”

Why Artemis II Matters

While Artemis II did not land on the moon, it paved the way for those who will. By proving that the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion capsule can safely transport humans to lunar orbit and back, NASA has cleared the final major hurdle before Artemis III.

Artemis III, currently scheduled for late 2026 or 2027, aims to put boots back on the lunar South Pole. This mission will include the first woman and person of color to actually walk on the moon’s surface.

What Happens Next?

Now that the crew is back on solid ground, the work for NASA scientists is just beginning.

Medical Evaluations: The astronauts will undergo weeks of testing to see how deep-space radiation and weightlessness affect their bodies.
Data Analysis: Engineers will strip down the Orion capsule to study how the hardware held up.
Future Training: The lessons learned from this flight will be integrated into the training for the Artemis III crew.

A New Era of Discovery

The success of Artemis II signals a shift in how we view space. We are no longer just visiting; we are preparing to stay. With the planned Lunar Gateway station and future base camps on the surface, the moon is becoming a stepping stone for the eventual journey to Mars.

As the sun sets over the Pacific today, the world looks up at the moon with a little more familiarity. We’ve been back, we’ve seen the far side with our own eyes, and soon, we will be walking among the craters once again.