The Somali fraud scandal in Minnesota has erupted into a significant concern, described by authorities as “industrial-scale fraud.” Despite this severe characterization, major corporate media outlets have largely overlooked the issue since initial statements by First Assistant United States Attorney Joe Thompson on December 18. Thompson indicated that losses from the alleged misconduct in Minnesota’s Medicaid program might reach as high as $9 billion, up from an earlier estimate of $1 billion.
The lack of coverage by major outlets such as CNN, MS NOW, and NBC News raises questions about media priorities and accountability. Reviews conducted by the Daily Caller News Foundation indicate that while these outlets have mentioned Somalia and various fraud-related issues post-December 18, they have largely sidestepped direct references to the Minnesota fraud allegations. For instance, broadcasts such as “MS NOW Reports” have focused on President Trump’s military actions and fraud topics, while neglecting to report on the unraveling scandal.
Interestingly, even when aspects of the scandal might be relevant, such as the discussion around the rhetoric directed at Somalis, mainstream media has refrained from providing comprehensive coverage. This is telling, especially when a Wednesday edition of “MS NOW Reports” sidestepped the scandal entirely while focusing on the political narrative surrounding it.
On December 22, the same outlet featured discussions that criticized Trump’s comments regarding Somalis without addressing the fraud occurring in the state. Notably, these corporate media giants have not produced coverage on their websites since mid-December, suggesting a strategic avoidance of the topic. It wasn’t until recent days that “Morning Joe” on MS NOW finally mentioned the fraud scandal, but rather than treat it with the seriousness it warrants, the segment framed it as merely a political issue beneficial to Republicans. Host Jonathan Lemire characterized it as a convenient distraction from unfavorable news surrounding the current administration.
Mara Gay, an analyst on the same program, echoed concerns regarding the politicization of the Department of Justice and the FBI, questioning their credibility as “reliable narrators” in the context of the fraud investigation. She asserted, “this is what happens when you weaponize and politicize federal agencies.” Her remarks highlighted a growing mistrust among the public, a sentiment that resonates deeply in discussions about government accountability.
Data from the Minnesota Medicaid program indicates that roughly half of the state’s $18 billion expenditure on 14 Medicaid programs since 2018 could have been exploited by fraudsters, casting doubt on the integrity of these services. For perspective, the overall gross domestic product of Somalia was approximately $11.97 billion in 2024, meaning the potential losses from this Medicaid fraud could equal nearly the entirety of Somalia’s economic output. This stark comparison amplifies the gravity of the situation.
Independently, social media platforms have played a role in shedding light on this issue. YouTuber Nick Shirley gained significant traction with a 42-minute video revealing that multiple alleged Somali-run day care centers in Minnesota, which reportedly received large sums of taxpayer money, had no children enrolled. His video amassed over 115 million views on X, a staggering number reflecting public interest and concern.
Yet, prominent media outlets like CNN and MS NOW have seemingly neglected to report on Shirley’s findings, further underscoring the disparity between independent creators and corporate media in addressing this troubling scandal. In contrast, networks such as Fox News, Newsmax, and NewsNation have extensively reported on the fraudulent activities and the ensuing fallout, demonstrating a willingness to delve into the issue more thoroughly.
The Somali fraud scandal in Minnesota, with its extensive allegations and staggering financial implications, deserves widespread scrutiny. Its marginalization within corporate media highlights a growing divide between independent voices and established news outlets. The public’s right to access information about significant issues affecting communities and taxpayer funds hinges on responsible journalism that prioritizes transparency.
"*" indicates required fields
