Major Networks Overlook Billion-Dollar Somali Fraud in Minnesota Amid Focus on Trump Remarks
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — As investigations into a massive fraud scheme involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community continue to unfold, major broadcast networks have largely sidelined the story in favor of extensive coverage of President Donald Trump’s controversial comments on immigration. According to a recent analysis, ABC, NBC, and CBS collectively devoted only 31% of their Somali-related coverage to the fraud allegations, focusing predominantly on criticizing Trump’s remarks.
The fraud scheme, reportedly involving billions of dollars, has raised significant concerns about the misuse of state welfare and COVID-19 relief funds. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the networks prioritized coverage of Trump’s rally comments, including his use of inflammatory language about Somalia and its diaspora.
During a recent episode of CBS’s “Face The Nation,” host Margaret Brennan interviewed Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American Democrat, about the scandal. Brennan pressed Omar on allegations that individuals connected to her and her campaigns were implicated in the fraud. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also appeared on the program, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing and criticizing Omar for downplaying the issue. “Representative Omar tried to downplay it … said … it was very tough to know how this money should be used. She was gaslighting the American people,” Bessent said.
Omar denied knowledge of the specifics, stating, “I really don’t, and I don’t think the secretary himself understands what he’s referring to.” However, public records and court documents tell a different story. Salim Ahmed Said, co-owner of Safari Restaurant where Omar hosted her 2018 congressional victory party, was convicted in August of stealing over $12 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Additionally, Guhaad Hashi Said, who managed Somali voter outreach for Omar’s 2018 and 2020 campaigns, pleaded guilty to running a fraudulent food program that diverted $3.2 million.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has documented connections between these individuals and the broader fraud network, which exploited state welfare programs and federal COVID-19 relief efforts. The scandal has drawn attention from federal prosecutors, with some experts describing the scheme as “shockingly easy” to execute and potentially larger than currently reported.
Despite the scale of the fraud, ABC, NBC, and CBS have largely focused their Somali coverage on condemning Trump’s rhetoric rather than investigating the allegations. This editorial choice has sparked criticism from various quarters, accusing the networks of bias and selective reporting. Critics argue that the networks’ reluctance to delve into the fraud undermines public understanding of the issue and shields influential political figures from scrutiny.
The disparity in coverage was highlighted by media watchdog groups, which noted that ABC and NBC mentioned the Minnesota fraud in only 21% of their Somali-related segments, with CBS slightly higher at 31%. The majority of airtime was dedicated to framing Trump’s comments as inflammatory and divisive.
As the investigation progresses, state and federal authorities continue to examine the extent of the fraud and its impact on Minnesota’s welfare system. The Department of Justice has confirmed ongoing probes into the misuse of funds, while local officials have pledged to enhance oversight.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Trump’s remarks continues to dominate broadcast news cycles, overshadowing the substantive issues raised by the fraud allegations. This media focus raises questions about the balance between political commentary and investigative journalism in covering complex community and legal matters.
For more information on federal investigations and welfare program oversight, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation websites.
The unfolding Minnesota Somali fraud case remains a critical story with significant implications for public trust and governance, yet it struggles to gain the media attention it arguably warrants.
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