During a New Year’s Eve address at his Mar-a-Lago resort, former President Donald Trump suggested that numerous Democrat-led states could face investigations related to fraud, reflecting the administration’s swift reaction to controversial allegations surrounding Minnesota’s daycare centers. Trump claimed, “We’re going to take back our country. Can you imagine, they stole $18 billion?” although the specifics of this assertion remain unclear. He expressed a belief that such fraudulent activities were widespread, specifically in states like California, Illinois, and New York, which he described as even worse.
Echoing this sentiment, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed to Minnesota as a focal point but indicated that massive fraud was prevalent in many Democrat-run states. She emphasized that investigations would be a priority for the Biden administration. The controversy erupted after a right-wing social media influencer alleged that empty childcare centers in Minnesota, purportedly connected to Somali operators, were involved in significant fraudulent activities.
However, both state officials and daycare owners have refuted these claims. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the Trump administration for politicizing this serious issue, highlighting that Minnesota has long been actively combating fraud in federal programs, a task started during the Biden administration. Notably, the state’s efforts have resulted in 57 convictions tied to a major fraud scheme, demonstrating a commitment to addressing such issues.
Furthermore, the president’s remarks have reignited tensions around his past disparaging comments about Somali-Americans, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents Minnesota and often criticizes Trump. Following the president’s comments, some members of the Somali community have reported facing harassment and vandalism.
Despite allegations predominantly aimed at blue states, it’s critical to recognize that fraud is not exclusive to any political affiliation, as shown by the recent actions against over 300 defendants involved in healthcare fraud schemes across multiple states.
The administration’s move to investigate these claims aligns with a broader strategy of spotlighting perceived corruption in Democrat-led areas. As the political landscape moves towards the 2026 elections, these narratives are likely to continue shaping discussions around governance and accountability in various states.