Rep. Ilhan Omar expressed frustration on Sunday about the way the massive "Feeding Our Future" fraud scheme that has embroiled members of her Somali community in Minnesota has been framed. Omar stated that Somalis are not only victims but also taxpayers who could have benefited from the program.
Omar was discussing the scheme with Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan, who described it as "shocking." Brennan asked why this fraud was allowed to get so widespread, and Omar responded by pointing out that many Somalis were also at risk of losing out on benefits.
"I want to say this: This has an impact on us, because we are taxpayers in Minnesota," Omar said. "We could have benefited from the program and the money that was stolen. So it's been really frustrating for people not to acknowledge that we're also, as Minnesotans, upset and angry about the fraud that has occurred."
Omar condemned the brazen fraud as "reprehensible" and stated that she had sent a letter to the Secretary of AG inquiring about what went wrong. She emphasized the need to continue investigating and asking questions.
President Donald Trump and other officials have been critical of the alleged mismanagement of federal funds in Minnesota, including the distribution of money for the nonprofit "Feeding Our Future" program. The fraud scheme has been labeled as the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the country, with most reported offenders being Somalis.
The controversy surrounding this issue has led to a heated exchange between Omar and Trump, who have traded insults. Trump has called Somalis "garbage" and said they should return to their home country, while Omar and other critics have described his remarks as bigoted and an attempt to distract from his policy failings.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this scandal will be resolved, and what consequences will be faced by those involved in the alleged mismanagement of federal funds.
Omar was discussing the scheme with Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan, who described it as "shocking." Brennan asked why this fraud was allowed to get so widespread, and Omar responded by pointing out that many Somalis were also at risk of losing out on benefits.
"I want to say this: This has an impact on us, because we are taxpayers in Minnesota," Omar said. "We could have benefited from the program and the money that was stolen. So it's been really frustrating for people not to acknowledge that we're also, as Minnesotans, upset and angry about the fraud that has occurred."
Omar condemned the brazen fraud as "reprehensible" and stated that she had sent a letter to the Secretary of AG inquiring about what went wrong. She emphasized the need to continue investigating and asking questions.
President Donald Trump and other officials have been critical of the alleged mismanagement of federal funds in Minnesota, including the distribution of money for the nonprofit "Feeding Our Future" program. The fraud scheme has been labeled as the largest pandemic fraud scheme in the country, with most reported offenders being Somalis.
The controversy surrounding this issue has led to a heated exchange between Omar and Trump, who have traded insults. Trump has called Somalis "garbage" and said they should return to their home country, while Omar and other critics have described his remarks as bigoted and an attempt to distract from his policy failings.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this scandal will be resolved, and what consequences will be faced by those involved in the alleged mismanagement of federal funds.
. Omar's right, we gotta acknowledge that Somalis are taxpayers too, not just victims. It's frustrating that people aren't seeing this from our perspective 
. Trump's comments? Unacceptable 
. Like, what's next? Labeling Minnesotans by their background? Not cool 
. We need to focus on finding out who was behind the fraud and holding them accountable 
. No one is above the law, not even politicians 
.
like, she's not just sayin we r victims, but also taxpayers who cud've benifited from the program 
omg annd trump is at it agn!!! he's callin somalis "garbage" & tellin them 2 go back 2 dair home country???!? dat's just BIGOTED N OUTRAGEOUS!!! 
i'm all for holdin ppl accountable, but cmon @realDonaldTrump!!! 
It's so frustrating when ppl like Trump try to deflect from his own messes by being all bigoted 
This whole thing just feels so unfair 
. And for what? To distract from Trump's own policy failings? 
. Omar's right that Somalis are taxpayers too, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity 
. We should be focusing on finding out how this fraud scheme happened and making sure it never happens again, not throwing around hurtful words and insults 
.
It's just so hurtful and divisive. What Omar is trying to say is that this isn't just about one community or group of people - it's about the fact that our tax dollars were wasted due to mismanagement.