Trump goes off about Somali fraud at his New Year’s Eve event: 'We’re going to get that money back!'

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump used his glittering New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago to address concerns about alleged massive fraud tied to Somali immigrants in Minnesota.

Trump launched a tirade about alleged abuse of taxpayer-funded programs, accusing fraudsters of stealing billions and promising to reclaim the cash.

Trump calls alleged Minnesota fraud a 'giant scam'

Trump stood before a festive backdrop and grabbed the mic.

“They stole $18 billion! And that’s just what we’ve heard about. It’s a giant scam. We’re going to get to the bottom of it. We’re going to get that money back! It’s all coming back!” he said, according to footage posted by journalist Nick Sortor on X.

Trump also took time to praise Minnesota Republican Rep. Tom Emmer for comments he had made earlier in the day while discussing the issue on television.

“We have a lot of leaders here, great leaders like Tom Emmer. I watched him on television talking about Somalia today. He's talking about the Somalian population, and not very nicely. He was not nice. But that's okay. We need you in Minnesota. We want to take back our country,” Trump said in a clip later shared by journalist Aaron Rupar.

The remarks came as scrutiny intensifies around Minnesota’s social services programs, where federal investigators say widespread abuse has been uncovered.

Federal scrutiny builds in Minnesota

The alleged fraud Trump referenced has already triggered action from his administration. Childcare funding to Minnesota has been frozen, and audits of Somali-American citizenship cases have been announced to examine potential fraud.

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States. Investigators have been probing multiple assistance programs, arguing that weak oversight during the COVID-19 pandemic led to large-scale abuse.

The controversy traces back to the pandemic era, when emergency spending and relaxed controls opened the door to exploitation. At the center of it was Feeding Our Future, a Minnesota-based nonprofit accused of orchestrating a $250 million scheme involving federal child nutrition funds. 

Prosecutors say money meant to feed low-income children was instead diverted to luxury cars, villas, and international travel. So far, 98 people have been charged in connection with the case. Authorities are signaling that more indictments could be on the way.

Beyond that case, new allegations have surfaced. YouTuber Nick Shirley’s investigation pointed to additional fraud tied to Somali-run daycare centers, including claims that key documents were stolen during alleged break-ins.

Authorities now estimate the total scope of fraud could exceed $1 billion, possibly spanning Medicaid, housing assistance, and other aid programs.

Trump calls for 'peace on earth' as fraud probe ramps up

Trump has framed the Minnesota cases as an example of major failures in immigration enforcement and welfare oversight. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has scheduled hearings on the matter.

But as midnight approached at Mar-a-Lago, Trump called for 'peace on Earth.'

As the President and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the New Year’s Eve celebration, a reporter asked, “Mr. President, do you have a New Year’s resolution?”

Trump quickly responded, “Peace. Peace on Earth.”

Behind the scenes, however, the administration is reportedly considering denaturalization proceedings for individuals found to be involved in the alleged fraud. Additional funding cuts remain on the table, and federal investigators have promised “more to come” in terms of charges.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing mounting pressure to address the situation. Meanwhile, Trump allies like Emmer are calling for nationwide audits saying similar schemes could be operating in other states, including California.

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