Ellison ends interview over Minnesota fraud figure dispute

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison ended an interview with Fox News Digital after being questioned about the state’s fraud scandal, disputing a widely cited $8 billion estimate as a number used only by those “aligned with the Trump Administration.” The exchange follows Vice President JD Vance’s threat to refer Ellison to the Justice Department over his alleged knowledge of the fraud scheme. Ellison called the $8 billion figure “a false number” and grew frustrated when the reporter pressed him on it, stating, “Why don’t you give me a break, man?” He then said, “So, I’m done talking to you. Bye-bye,” and walked away. The estimate has been cited by the House Oversight Committee and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who said investigators believe roughly half of $18 billion paid through 14 Medicaid programs since 2018 could have been part of a major fraud scheme. The scandal involves federally funded nutrition, education, and Medicaid-related programs, with prosecutors alleging multiple nonprofit organizations diverted millions of taxpayer dollars, including cases connected to Minnesota’s Somali community. House Oversight Committee investigators have argued Ellison was aware of fraud concerns years before the scandal surfaced, citing interviews with officials.

What’s reported

Key figures

Sources: foxnews.com