Ellison Denies Inflated Fraud Figures Amid Scrutiny

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison addressed concerns regarding his role in a state fraud scandal. This response came after Vice President JD Vance suggested he might push for a Justice Department inquiry. Ellison disputed claims about an $8 billion figure related to the fraud, attributing it to individuals with connections to the Trump administration.

Ellison stated, “That is a false number. The fact is, is that fraud is always wrong.” He expressed frustration when questioned repeatedly, telling the reporter, “Why don’t you give me a break, man?”

Vice President Vance heads the Trump administration’s new anti-fraud task force. He threatened to involve the Justice Department in examining whether Ellison knew about or ignored the extensive fraud cases in Minnesota.

During a press briefing in Washington, Vance reiterated his concerns about potential misconduct by Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, in the handling of public funds.

Ellison became visibly upset when asked to clarify the alleged $8 billion fraud estimate. He remarked that the figure is associated with political groups aligned with Trump. He told Fox News Digital, “So, I’m done talking to you. Bye-bye,” and concluded the interview abruptly.

Recently, federal authorities suggested that the impact of fraud in Minnesota could exceed $9 billion. At a Senate Homeland Committee hearing, Ellison defended his position, highlighting partisan motivations behind the inflated estimates.

When pressed by a reporter to clarify the figure, Ellison insisted the number was incorrect and criticized the reporter’s bias. According to Ellison, “It’s wrong though. And if you’re a real reporter, you should know that,” while addressing the Fox News Digital correspondent.

The House Oversight Committee, alongside First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, previously argued that billions might have been lost to fraud in Minnesota’s public assistance programs. Thompson stated that approximately half of the $18 billion distributed through Medicaid since 2018 might be fraudulent.

This scandal has gained national attention, driven by congressional investigations and media coverage. Several fraud cases linked Minnesota nonprofit organizations to misuse of taxpayer funds, escalating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the prominent cases is the Feeding Our Future scheme, involving Minnesota’s Somali community. Documents suggest Ellison had prior knowledge of fraud concerns, based on interviews with officials in education, human services, and government offices.