Minnesota Democrats, Including Ilhan Omar and Keith Ellison, Allegedly Pocketed Tens of Thousands from Massive Somali Welfare Fraud Scheme
Ilhan Omar / Face The Nation
Several prominent Minnesota Democrats have been tied to campaign donations — totaling more than $53,000 — from individuals involved in what is now being called one of the largest welfare fraud scandals in U.S. history. The scheme, centered on the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, allegedly siphoned off roughly $250 million in federal funds meant to feed children during the COVID‑19 pandemic, redirecting the money instead toward luxury purchases such as mansions and high‑end shopping sprees.
In fact, the total fraud — including state-level payments — may eventually exceed $1 billion.
Federal prosecutors have charged more than 75 people so far; over half have pleaded guilty to crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and bribery.
Political donations under scrutiny
Keith Ellison — Minnesota’s Attorney General — reportedly received at least $10,000 in contributions from businessmen later implicated in the fraud. Among those donations were three $2,500 contributions made on the same day shortly after a 2021 meeting Ellison had with Somali business leaders, two of whom later became defendants in the case. One of the donors, Gandi Mohamed, was indicted in 2024 on federal bribery and fraud charges.
Other elected officials reportedly receiving funds from individuals now charged in the scandal include:
Ilhan Omar of Minnesota’s 5th District, who received about $7,400 from three fraud-convicted donors (donations later returned).
Jeremiah Ellison, a Minneapolis City Council member and son of Keith Ellison, whose campaign reportedly accepted $3,000 (later returned).
Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis, whose campaign took in around $9,000 from nine defendants (also reportedly returned).
Omar Fateh, a Minnesota State Senator, who got about $11,000 from connected donors (including one later charged), a donation he returned after the scandal became public.
Additional contributions went to other state-level Democrats: roughly $3,000 to John Hoffman, $1,000 to former State Representative John Thompson, and $8,750 to Washington State House candidate Shukri Olow — all from individuals now indicted or convicted in connection with the fraud.
Broader implications
Critics argue the scandal exposes serious flaws in oversight. The changes to meal-program regulations during the pandemic — which loosened requirements like site inspections and allowed bulk “take-home” food distribution — are seen as having enabled the fraudulent scheme.
One observer quoted by the press said that some politicians “personally knew” many of those involved — suggesting either willful negligence or reckless ignorance.
Meanwhile, state authorities and lawmakers have come under pressure. A key oversight committee has demanded that the state preserve records going back a decade, amid allegations of evidence destruction and broader misuse of social-services and Medicaid-related funds.
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