WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican senators grilled Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Thursday during a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee oversight hearing. The exchange stayed tense from the start.
Lawmakers focused on claims of large-scale fraud in federal aid programs, especially those expanded during the pandemic. They also raised concerns about possible foreign involvement, including money they said could connect to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
As the hearing moved along, arguments grew sharper. Republicans framed Minnesota as a prime example of weak oversight. Democrats pushed back and called the session political. Meanwhile, immigration enforcement and national security worries sat at the center of the fight.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) drove much of the questioning. He accused Ellison of moving too slowly as fraud networks allegedly drained huge sums from programs tied to child care, nutrition, and welfare. Hawley highlighted the “Feeding Our Future” case, where federal prosecutors charged multiple people with stealing money from a nonprofit that claimed to provide meals to kids during COVID-19 shutdowns.
At one point, Hawley told Ellison, “You ought to be indicted.” Hawley pointed to a 2021 meeting where Ellison allegedly met with people later tied to the scheme. He also suggested Ellison helped suspects by stepping into an investigation. Ellison strongly denied that claim.
Ellison, a Democrat and former U.S. representative, responded with equal force. He called the accusations partisan attacks. He also said his office has pursued fraud cases tied to the same networks.
At the same time, Ellison criticized federal immigration actions in Minnesota, including the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge.” He said the large federal presence led to conflict on the ground. Ellison also demanded more transparency after two U.S. citizens died in shootings during enforcement activity in Minneapolis, and he urged better cooperation from federal agencies.
Fraud Claims Drive the Hearing
Republicans used the hearing to argue that Minnesota became a hub for pandemic-era fraud. Witnesses, including Minnesota State Sen. Mark Koran (R), told senators that Gov. Tim Walz and Ellison oversaw systems that failed basic checks. As a result, they said, fraudsters stole billions through programs tied to childcare reimbursements, SNAP, and other benefits.
In addition, journalists and watchdog groups described what they called fake businesses collecting real money. They pointed to examples like empty or inactive daycare sites that still received large reimbursements. One case repeatedly cited in related discussions involved “Quality Learning Center” in Minneapolis. Critics described it as a front operation, and they referenced a video showing a site that appeared deserted while billing for services.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and other Republicans used those examples to push policy changes. They argued for tighter rules and stronger proof before federal payments go out in childcare programs. Cruz also referenced photos of facilities he said showed the scale of the problem and the failure of oversight under Minnesota’s Democratic leadership.
Republicans claimed the overall losses in Minnesota could reach $9 billion or more. They said that the estimate does not include separate schemes tied to nutrition and welfare programs. They also argued Ellison shares responsibility, either because he did not act fast enough or because of political connections. Some Republicans pointed to campaign donations from people they said had links to suspects.
Republican Claims of CCP-Linked Money and Foreign Influence
Republicans also elevated another theme, alleged foreign funding tied to fraud and activism. Several witnesses described “dark money” networks they said connect to transnational crime and foreign rivals, including entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party.
Before the hearing, Hawley said senators would show how stolen funds in Minnesota could connect to wider networks. He claimed money may have been moved overseas or used to support protest activity. Witnesses argued that foreign actors can exploit U.S. aid programs and also back groups that oppose immigration enforcement, including anti-ICE organizing.
Still, Republicans did not present direct evidence that Ellison personally received CCP-linked money. Even so, the topic became a major talking point. Senators tied it to other congressional attention on political funding networks, including scrutiny of groups allegedly connected to U.S. expat Neville Roy Singham, who has been accused of sending CCP-aligned money to far-left organizations. Some of those groups have been active in Minneapolis protest activity.
Ellison rejected the foreign funding claims as unsupported. He shifted the focus back to federal enforcement, arguing that Washington has overreached in Minnesota. He urged lawmakers to limit ICE operations and protect due process during enforcement actions.
Personal Clashes and Sharp Exchanges
Tempers flared several times during the hearing. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) accused Ellison of “smirking” while senators discussed anti-ICE Signal chats used by activists. Johnson called Ellison’s reaction “despicable.” Ellison fired back and called Johnson’s approach “theatrical.”
Later, Hawley and Ellison talked over each other in a shouting match. Hawley demanded resignation and accountability. Ellison defended his record and accused Republicans of staging a show for cameras.
Democrats on the committee tried to widen the scope. They pointed to fraud and misconduct, which they said happened under the current administration. They also argued that Republicans ignored broader problems outside Minnesota.
What It Could Mean for National Policy
The hearing showed how Republicans plan to connect state-level fraud to national security threats. They argued that foreign adversaries and criminal groups take advantage of weak controls. Hawley and others called for broad reforms to stop future abuse and reduce the chances of money flowing to bad actors.
Ellison’s testimony is unlikely to be the last confrontation. He is expected to appear before the House Oversight Committee in March, alongside Gov. Walz. Meanwhile, federal investigations tied to Minnesota fraud cases continue to expand, and prosecutors have signaled more charges could follow.
As fights over immigration, federal spending, and foreign influence grow louder, Thursday’s hearing captured the mood in Washington. Fraud claims ran headfirst into accusations of political theater, and warnings about CCP meddling added even more heat to an already volatile debate.
