Trump slams alleged Somali fraud, claims 'numbers are astronomical' while targeting Ilhan Omar
🚨 Just in—President Trump says that Minnesota Somalians have STOLEN $19 BILLION DOLLARS in tax revenue ALL involved including Ilhan Omar should be deported.
— J (@JayTC53) January 5, 2026
Also Trump (fed. gov) is CUTTING OFF all funding to California, Illinois & Minnesota due to fraud!
LETS GO! pic.twitter.com/qTUDEhqEyW
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Trump addressed alleged Somali-linked fraud in Minnesota during remarks to the press aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington, DC, following the Christmas and New Year’s break at Mar-a-Lago.
He suggested the scale of the fraud could be far greater than investigators have identified and called for the deportation of those involved. Trump also singled out Representative Ilhan Omar, criticizing her alleged involvement in what he described as fraudulent activities.
Trump’s statements on alleged Somali fraud
Trump claimed Somali individuals were “ripping off our country” through fraud, suggesting that investigators have only uncovered part of the total amount involved.
He cited an initial figure of $19 billion that investigators had identified but said this was likely an underestimate. “Usually when you’re looking at 19, that means it could be 50. But the numbers are astronomical", Trump said.
The president argued that those complicit in the alleged fraud should face deportation. “They’re stealing from the American taxpayer, and every one of them should be forced to leave this country, including Ilhan Omar, who’s a total crook and one of the leaders of it,” Trump claimed.
According to Trump, Omar is not the only person involved, but “she’s not that smart.” He further indicated that federal funds should no longer be distributed to what he described as fraud-linked recipients. “We’re not going to pay it anymore. We’re not going to pay them, and we’re not going to pay California, and we’re not going to pay Illinois with that big slob of a governor that they have,” he said.
Much of the Minnesota Fraud, up to 90%, is caused by people that came into our Country, illegally, from Somalia. “Congresswoman” Omar, an ungrateful loser who only complains and never contributes, is one of the many scammers. Did she really marry her brother? Lowlifes like this… pic.twitter.com/pxa7u4mcNW
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@DailyTruthPosts) January 2, 2026
Trump targets Ilhan Omar over alleged Somali fraud
State officials have faced scrutiny after Independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley reported that empty or abandoned daycare facilities were still receiving millions in taxpayer funds. In response, the Department of Health and Human Services paused $185 million in aid to Minnesota. However, the state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families said at least two centers shown in Shirley’s video had been closed for several years.
On January 2, Trump stated on Truth Social that Omar was among the individuals allegedly siphoning off undue funds. “Much of the Minnesota fraud, up to 90 percent, is caused by people that came into our country illegally from Somalia. ‘Congresswoman’ Omar, an ungrateful loser who only complains and never contributes, is one of the many scammers,” he wrote.
Reiterating a rumor, Trump added, “Did she really marry her brother? Lowlifes like this can only be a liability to our country’s greatness. Send them back from where they came, Somalia, perhaps the worst and most corrupt country on earth."
