Trump calls for probe into Minnesota fraud scandal, says California could be 'worse'

Donald Trump said exposing the alleged fraud’s full scale could greatly impact the federal budget and even help balance it without major spending cuts
PUBLISHED FEB 11, 2026
President Donald Trump claimed that at least $19 billion in fraudulent activity had taken place in Minnesota, particularly involving medical and social-welfare programs (@larry_kudlow/X)
President Donald Trump claimed that at least $19 billion in fraudulent activity had taken place in Minnesota, particularly involving medical and social-welfare programs (@larry_kudlow/X)


WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has vowed that the Minnesota fraud scandal will receive a full investigation. He pointed out that while Minnesota is under review, California is also in the spotlight, calling it “worse.” In an interview with Larry Kudlow, Trump discussed the case and the ongoing investigations.

Trump also discussed nationwide efforts to curb narcotics during the interview. The Minnesota case has stirred national attention, drawing comments from Governor Tim Walz, Representative Ilhan Omar, and other Trump officials. The scandal first came to public attention through YouTube coverage and reporting by journalist Nick Shirley.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 10: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks at the Detroit Economic Club on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Michigan is considered a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, holding 15 electoral votes. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump, speaks at the Detroit Economic Club on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. Michigan is considered a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, holding 15 electoral votes. ( Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Trump demands thorough probe into Minnesota fraud, says California may face bigger issues

During an appearance on Fox Business with host Larry Kudlow, Trump addressed questions about election-related fraud ahead of the midterm elections. He emphasized the need for a thorough probe in Minnesota, "Take a look at Minnesota. So, we think it's at least 19 Billion Dollars of fraud. Medical every fraud."

"Somalia is coming here; what they've done to our country. These people, they've come into our country and what they have done with that fake congresswoman. She's so bad. No, we're going to get to the bottom of it," he added.

Trump also pointed to California, suggesting the problem there could be even greater, "We have the best. We have the best people, maybe in the whole country. Looking at that, we're looking at California, too. Because California is worse. But you know if we find 50 per cent, you know, they've been robbing and ripping off this country for many years, for decades, right?"

He concluded by stressing the potential impact of uncovering widespread fraud, "If we find 50 per cent of what's happened. We have a balanced budget without cutting anybody. We have a balanced budget and we'll find that Minnesota is very corrupt. California is very corrupt. A lot of states are very current."

Minnesota fraud scandal and Trump’s past comments



The Minnesota fraud scandal involves investigations into alleged misuse of federal funds in state social‑welfare programs, including daycare and food assistance. Federal authorities and lawmakers have examined claims that billions of dollars may have been lost through fraudulent schemes. Minnesota officials say efforts are underway to prosecute those responsible.

Trump has repeatedly spoken about the situation in social media posts and public remarks. On his platform Truth Social, he wrote, “The Theft and Fraud in Minnesota is far greater than the 19 Billion Dollars originally projected... The Biden Administration knew this FRAUD was happening, and did absolutely nothing about it.”

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) walks to the House chambers ahead of today's planned vote for Speaker of the House in the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol on October 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House has been without an elected leader since Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from the speakership on October 4 in an move led by a small group of conservative members of his own party. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
US Re. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) walks to the House chambers ahead of today's planned vote for Speaker of the House in the House of Representatives at the US Capitol on October 17, 2023 in Washington, DC (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

He also targeted state leaders, calling Representative Ilhan Omar a “scammer” and describing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as either “the most CORRUPT government official in history, or the most INCOMPETENT.”

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