Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s Husband Snatches Phone from Reporter Amid Childcare Fraud Inquiry
CHELSEA, Mass. — Tensions flared Monday at Chelsea City Hall when Conan Harris, husband of Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., forcefully swatted a phone from a reporter’s hand as the journalist attempted to question the congresswoman about allegations of childcare fraud linked to Minnesota’s Somali community. The incident unfolded as Pressley was approached by a reporter seeking her stance on President Trump’s investigation into the matter.
Video footage captures the moment Harris, who served a decade in prison on drug trafficking charges before marrying Pressley, abruptly intervened just as the reporter began to ask, “Congresswoman Pressley, do you support –” before the phone was knocked away. The reporter immediately protested, “Sir, you cannot take my phone out of my hand,” but Harris had already disrupted the recording. After regaining control of the device, the cameraman refocused on Harris, who then retreated into what appeared to be a hallway room.
The reporter persisted, directing the question again to Pressley, who declined to respond and walked away, shielded by her staff. The exchange occurred on the same day the Office of Management and Budget announced a freeze on $10 billion in federal childcare funds across five states, including Minnesota, amid reports of social services fraud involving the Somali community. The hold also cited concerns about funds reaching undocumented immigrants.
Pressley has previously spoken about drawing from her husband’s experience reintegrating into society after incarceration to inform her advocacy for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, Harris’s intervention during the questioning has drawn scrutiny amid the ongoing fraud probe.
The controversy comes as Minnesota faces mounting political pressure over allegations of widespread fraud in childcare assistance programs. The House of Representatives is also considering legislation that could impact Somali refugees amid the investigation.
Despite multiple requests, Pressley did not provide comment on the incident or the fraud allegations. Meanwhile, the reporter involved, Jay Kolls of KSTP, has continued to investigate the claims.
The episode highlights the growing national attention on fraud in social service programs and the political sensitivities surrounding immigrant communities. It also raises questions about the role of personal relationships in public officials’ responses to scrutiny.
For more information on federal childcare funding and oversight, visit the Office of Child Care and the Department of Health and Human Services websites.
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