Pastor Corey Brooks Criticizes Minnesota Welfare System Amid Fraud Scandal
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D., has drawn national attention to Minnesota’s welfare system, describing it as “anti-American” and a barrier to the American Dream. Speaking amid a growing scandal involving widespread fraud in government-funded social services, Brooks is using his Walk Across America journey to advocate for merit-based policies and renewed self-reliance.
Brooks’s comments come as federal investigations reveal that more than a billion dollars have been allegedly misappropriated in Minnesota’s welfare programs. The fraud reportedly involves schemes targeting childcare centers without children, autism therapy programs, housing assistance, and Medicaid. The controversy disproportionately implicates members of Minnesota’s large Somali American community, a group that has seen significant welfare dependency.
In a video circulating on social media, a young Somali American woman claimed her community’s success in America is rooted not in entrepreneurship or innovation but in “mastering the system of government assistance.” According to statistics cited by Brooks, nearly 89% of Somali immigrant households with children in Minnesota rely on some form of welfare, with the figure remaining around 86% for those living in the U.S. for over a decade. By contrast, only about 21% of native-headed households receive welfare benefits.
Specific data underscores the disparity: 27% of Somali-headed households receive cash welfare compared to 6% of native households; 54% receive food stamps versus 7% of natives; and 73% rely on Medicaid compared to 18% of native-headed households. These figures were highlighted by Brooks as evidence of systemic dependency rather than genuine economic success.
“This is not success,” Brooks said. “This is exploitation. This is robbery by another name. Most of all, this is the worst of all dependencies — willful dependency.” Having worked extensively on Chicago’s South Side to break cycles of poverty and violence, Brooks emphasized that dependency erodes dignity and stifles community growth.
Brooks also criticized Minnesota’s political leadership, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for their response to the scandal. He accused them of dismissing legitimate concerns by labeling critics as white supremacists, a tactic he rejects. “Fine, call me a white supremacist,” Brooks said, underscoring his commitment to addressing what he calls an urgent moral and economic crisis.
The federal government has acknowledged the magnitude of the fraud, with estimates suggesting losses may exceed $9 billion. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is actively investigating the misuse of Medicaid and other social programs in Minnesota. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched probes into fraudulent claims affecting housing and childcare services.
Brooks’s Walk Across America, a journey dedicated to promoting meritocracy and revitalizing the American Dream, has brought him into contact with communities across the nation. His observations in Minnesota have reinforced his belief that welfare dependency threatens the nation’s foundational values. He calls for reforms that encourage self-sufficiency and accountability, warning that unchecked entitlement culture undermines both taxpayers and recipients.
As investigations continue, the Minnesota case has ignited broader debates about welfare policy, immigration, and economic opportunity in America. The Congressional Budget Office has reported on the complexities of social program expenditures and the challenges of balancing assistance with incentives for work.
Pastor Brooks remains resolute in his mission. “I will continue to pray for merit and the renewal of the American Dream — for every immigrant and every native-born citizen,” he said. His journey and message seek to inspire a national conversation about responsibility, dignity, and the true meaning of success in America.
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