Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Responds to Questions on Fraud Scandal

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison responded to inquiries regarding his handling of a fraud scandal in the state. During an interview, Ellison pushed back against the claim that the fraud amount could reach $8 billion, stating, "That is a false number" and attributing its use to individuals aligned with the Trump Administration. His remarks came after Vice President JD Vance threatened to refer Ellison to the Justice Department for an investigation into his knowledge of the alleged fraud scheme. Ellison expressed frustration during the interview, stating, "I’m done talking to you" before leaving. The fraud case has drawn national attention, with estimates suggesting that potentially billions of dollars were lost in Minnesota's public assistance programs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators have indicated that about half of the $18 billion paid through 14 Medicaid programs since 2018 may be linked to fraudulent activities.