Bessent turns up heat on sprawling Minnesota fraud schemes as Treasury personnel deploy on the ground

A Fox News investigation has uncovered a $1 billion fraud scheme in Minnesota, revealing that 22 fraudulent entities were registered to a single building, indicating a complex network of fake businesses at the heart of the scandal. This scheme is particularly linked to COVID-19 aid programs, raising significant concerns about the misuse of public funds.

Minnesota Judge Sarah West has overturned a jury verdict in a significant $7.2 million Medicaid fraud case, a decision that has drawn considerable surprise and scrutiny from legal experts who deem it highly unusual. This ruling raises questions about the judicial process and the standards applied in fraud cases involving public funds.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has conducted 'Operation Metro Surge' in the Twin Cities, resulting in the arrest of 400 individuals, primarily targeting illegal immigrants in the Minneapolis area. This operation has drawn significant criticism towards Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his perceived failure to manage illegal immigration and crime effectively.

A whistleblower has revealed that a significant fraud scheme is taking place within the Somali community in Ohio, drawing parallels to a similar situation in Minnesota, where a massive social services fraud scandal is currently under investigation. The whistleblower's claims suggest that the Ohio case may be part of a larger pattern of fraudulent activities affecting Somali communities across the United States.

A federal investigation has been launched in Minnesota regarding a $1 billion welfare fraud scheme that allegedly involves hawala money transfers, which may be exploited by the al-Shabaab terrorist group. The scrutiny comes amid claims that taxpayer funds have been misappropriated, raising concerns about the integrity of financial systems within the Somali community.

Mike Lindell, a prominent supporter of former President Trump and founder of MyPillow, has officially announced his candidacy for the Minnesota governor's race in 2026, challenging incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz. Lindell's campaign is marked by his claims of widespread fraud in the state, particularly in relation to COVID-19 aid programs, which he intends to address as a central issue of his platform.

Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, has canceled the Biden-era commemorative quarter designs that focused on themes of breaking chains and suffrage, opting instead for designs that celebrate patriotic figures in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States. This decision reflects a shift in the administration's approach to national symbolism.

Hope Walz, daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, expressed concerns for her family's safety following her public criticism of Donald Trump Jr., who made derogatory remarks about her father. In a video, she emphasized the need for a boundary regarding safety, highlighting the personal impact of political discourse.