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New York Times writer Mara Gay appeared to downplay the growing allegations of fraud in Minnesota, suggesting that the Somali community was “scapegoated” by a politicized Department of Justice (DOJ).
Gay’s comments on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe” on Monday came after a video by independent journalist Nick Shirley went viral depicting multi-person visits Minnesota Daycares which appeared largely inactive despite receiving millions of dollars in public funding.
While she agrees that any fraud in the state should “absolutely” be investigated, regardless of which party is in power, Gay said federal investigations into Minnesota are likely politically motivated.
TIM WALZ FALLS OUT ALLEGATIONS OF FRAUD IN MINNESOTA FOLLOWING VIRAL DAYCARE VIDEO
Homeland Security investigators participated in a large fraud investigation in Minneapolis on Monday, following the release of a video over the weekend of alleged fraud at a daycare. (Department of Homeland Security)
“The question is: Why is this a priority in a different way?” » asked Gay. “The politicization of the DOJ and the FBI is undeniable. So the big question is whether they are reliable storytellers. That’s what happens when you weaponize and politicize federal agencies that are not supposed to be politicized. I think the American people are right to ask the question: Can we trust you? And that’s a sad thing to say as an American.”
She added that fraud scandals were “not unique to politics”, pointing to a recent Mississippi welfare scandaland claimed that the Somali community, embroiled in recent scandals, was being persecuted to appease a far-right base.
ILHAN OMAR SAYS THERE ARE FEW UNDOCUMENTED SOMALIAN MIGRANTS IN THE COUNTRY
“But of course the other factor here is that because it appears that Minnesota’s Somali population — the Somali immigrant population — may have been involved in some way, these people have become scapegoats,” Gay said. “This community is being scapegoated in a way that certainly serves the far right, and that’s also something to watch out for. And it’s absolutely inappropriate.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been criticized for growing fraud schemes uncovered in his state. (Getty Images)
In a comment to Fox News DigitalThe Justice Department pointed to US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s latest X-rated message, saying they have indicted 98 people, including 85 of Somali descent, since the investigation began.
“We have more lawsuits coming… Buckle up, lawmakers!” Bondi wrote.
Minnesota has been at the center of fraud scandals for weeks, with at least $1 billion reportedly lost to alleged social services fraud largely linked to Minneapolis’ Somali community, although Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has disputed that figure.
TIM WALZ CALLED BY THE WASHINGTON POST TO REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MINNESOTA FRAUD SCANDAL
Over the weekend, FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency had sent additional staff and investigative resources in Minnesota as part of an ongoing effort to “dismantle large-scale fraudulent schemes exploiting federal programs.”
Authorities have suggested that at least $1 billion was lost to fraud linked to Minnesota’s Somali community. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital; Scott Olson/Getty Images)
On Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed on X that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were on the ground in Minneapolis to conduct a “massive” investigation.
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Louis Casiano of Fox News contributed to this report.
