Minnesota’s $250 Million Nutrition Fraud Scandal: FBI Probes Widespread Scheme Involving Elected Officials

By Sam Barron | Thursday, January 1, 2026

FBI Director Kash Patel has been tracking a major Minnesota fraud case for months, claiming it was buried under former President Joe Biden’s administration. The investigation, which involves an alleged $250 million scheme in federal nutrition programs, is now expanding to examine whether similar frauds occurred nationwide and if they connected to elected officials.

Investigative journalist Catherine Herridge reported that the FBI opened its initial probe into a welfare fraud scandal costing Minnesota millions but it was “buried” due to potential implications for Biden allies. Between late May 2025 and December 2025, the agency maintained 16 open investigations targeting approximately 32 healthcare and in-home care providers accused of fraud.

The sprawling probe is now assessing whether these schemes extended beyond Minnesota and linked to elected officials or terrorist financing. Herridge detailed that potential criminal violations include public corruption, fraud, cyber fraud, healthcare fraud, homecare fraud, and money laundering. To date, the scandal has resulted in 78 individuals being indicted and 57 convicted.

Investigators are also scrutinizing federal nutrition programs during the pandemic. Herridge wrote: “The Feeding our Future probe exposed an alleged $250 million fraud scheme that obtained federal funding for nutrition programs but almost no meals were provided to children.” She added, “It’s alleged the monies were laundered through multiple entities to enrich participants.”

On Thursday, Rob Finnerty demanded accountability from Democrats involved in the scandal, calling for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to testify before Congress. Finnerty cited recent legal actions against political figures as justification for broader scrutiny across party lines.