A secret recording has put Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison in an uncomfortable spotlight. The 54-minute tape from a December 2021 closed-door meeting unveils troubling discussions regarding the alleged involvement of Somali-American business leaders in a historic fraud scheme that siphoned off $250 million from federal COVID-19 child nutrition funds.
The audio, recently released by American Experiment, captures Ellison expressing solidarity with a group of these business figures, many of whom would later face criminal charges. He seems to dismiss concerns about oversight while promising to assist those implicated in the scandal. Ellison reportedly scoffs at the state agencies tasked with regulating these businesses, indicating a troubling ambivalence toward the integrity of the operations involved.
In a striking moment on the tape, Ellison seemingly aligns himself with those accused of deep corruption, stating that he and the governor share a view on the negative impacts of “small people” being forced out of business. His remarks raise questions about his commitment to accountability. At one point, he is recorded agreeing that the agencies are discriminating against East African businesses, framing an argument that appears to defend illegal activities under the guise of social justice.
The most controversial aspect of Ellison’s comments comes as he waxes philosophically about the intersection of money and politics. When discussing fundraising, he acknowledges the value of financial support, declaring, “Money is freedom.” This sentiment echoes uncomfortably in the context of the allegations against those present during the meeting—individuals connected to the theft of substantial government funds meant to support vulnerable children.
Ellison attempts to diminish the fallout by claiming that the recording constitutes a smear against him. However, a spokesman stated that Ellison was surprised by the group’s presence, suggesting impropriety on their part. “It is a shame that these fraudsters tried to exploit the Attorney General’s good faith engagement,” the statement reads, asserting that no beneficial actions took place as a result of the meeting. Yet, the implications of Ellison’s conduct linger, especially considering the subsequent FBI raid on Feeding Our Future, the organization at the heart of the fraud.
Further complicating matters are allegations against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is accused of orchestrating a cover-up concerning this vast fraud scheme. Insiders from the Minnesota Department of Human Services claim that Walz not only ignored early warnings about the fraudulent operations but actively retaliated against employees who sought to expose the wrongdoing. The alleged retaliation included intimidation tactics to silence whistleblowers, raising serious ethical questions about his administration’s intent and integrity.
The accusations from DHS whistleblowers paint a picture of a systemic failure within the administration, as they assert that Walz’s willingness to shield a fraudulent network was driven by political motives. This alleged cover-up has sparked outrage among those who believe that taxpayer funds should be safeguarded, particularly when those funds were earmarked to feed needy children during a national crisis.
The recording and the accompanying allegations against Ellison and Walz present a troubling narrative that challenges the integrity of leadership within Minnesota’s government. As the ongoing investigations unfold, the necessity for accountability and transparency grows ever more pressing.
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