AFPI Statement on Alarming Reports of Welfare Fraud and Misuse of Taxpayer Funds in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Brett Tolman, Chair for Law and Justice at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), issued the following statement regarding recent investigative reporting that uncovered widespread welfare fraud, financial exploitation, and potential national-security risks tied to Minnesota’s social-service programs:

“The findings revealed in City Journal are deeply troubling. They point to systemic failures in oversight that have allowed taxpayer-funded programs to be exploited on a massive scale, with reports indicating that millions of dollars in welfare funds allegedly were stolen and, in some cases, possibly funneled abroad through unregulated financial networks that may ultimately benefit terrorist organizations.

The American taxpayer deserves accountability, transparency, and assurance that their hard-earned dollars are not being siphoned into fraudulent or foreign hands. This is not simply a case of bureaucratic waste; it’s a national-security concern. When billions meant to support vulnerable Americans are instead enriching criminals or financing terror, our government has failed in its most basic duty of stewardship. America First means putting our citizens first, not fraudsters or foreign actors."