Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) announced on January 7, 2026, that she had referred Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to the Department of Justice for criminal charges, citing their alleged complicity in a Somali fraud scheme based on evidence from a congressional hearing.
Why It Matters
The referrals intensify scrutiny of alleged widespread fraud in Minnesota’s federally funded social services programs, including the Feeding Our Future scandal, which is considered the largest COVID-era fraud in the U.S. They highlight partisan divisions over accountability, with Republicans accusing Democratic officials of oversight failures or political motivations, while potentially influencing ongoing investigations and Minnesota politics amid Walz’s recent decision to end his reelection bid.
What to Know
During the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s hearing titled “Oversight of Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota: Part I” on January 7, 2026, Luna questioned Minnesota State Rep. Kristin Robbins about fraud in programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and Feeding Our Future.
In a video clip attached to her X post, Luna asked: “Do you have evidence that over 50% of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is fraudulent?” Robbins responded affirmatively, citing audits, whistleblower reports, and investigations indicating widespread fraud. Luna followed up on fraudulent feeding invoices and a 2021 audio recording of Ellison allegedly agreeing to interfere with investigations in exchange for political support from the Somali community.
The 2021 audio, resurfaced in 2025 and detailed by the Center of the American Experiment, captures Ellison in a meeting with Somali leaders (some later convicted in fraud schemes) promising to “fight” for their interests and discussing campaign donations.
Post-hearing, Luna posted: “Based on testimony today, I have enough evidence to believe both @GovTimWalz and @keithellison were knowingly complicit in a Somali fraud scheme in Minnesota. Therefore I have referred them BOTH to the DOJ for criminal charges. May justice be swift. The American people are tired of being taken advantage of.”
The Feeding Our Future scheme involved stealing approximately $250–300 million in child nutrition funds through fake sites and invoices, as summarized by the U.S. Department of Justice. CCAP allegations include over 50% fraud, such as ghost children and kickbacks, per CNN.
Witnesses, including Robbins, Hudson, and Rarick, alleged the Walz administration ignored red flags and suppressed whistleblowers, with funds possibly funneled overseas, as reported in CBS News.
What People Are Saying
Luna emphasized the need for swift justice, framing the referrals under potential violations like conspiracy to defraud the U.S.
Chairman James Comer, in his opening statement, accused Minnesota officials of fostering non-enforcement due to political considerations.
Ellison’s office pushed back, dismissing the claims as partisan, per KSTP.com. Democrats have noted ongoing prosecutions and recoveries exceeding $80 million under Ellison.
Conservative outlets like Fox News highlighted the audio as evidence of complicity.
What Happens Next
The DOJ may review the referrals amid existing prosecutions in the Feeding Our Future case. A follow-up hearing with Walz and Ellison is scheduled for February 10, 2026, as announced by the House Oversight Committee. Additional testimony and document requests could emerge, potentially leading to further congressional actions or federal investigations.
