Minnesota Lt. Governor’s Hijab Appearance Sparks Controversy Amid Fraud Scandal

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan has drawn criticism after appearing on a Somali TV station wearing a hijab during a mall visit, a move that comes as the state grapples with a widespread fraud scandal involving members of the Somali community.

“The Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota,” Flanagan stated during her televised appearance. The timing of her outreach has raised eyebrows, particularly as federal investigators continue to uncover details of what prosecutors describe as one of the largest pandemic relief fraud schemes in American history.

Flanagan, who has previously identified as Catholic and states on her campaign website that her “view on immigration is grounded in her Catholic faith,” is competing against two other Democratic candidates in the primary race to fill the seat of outgoing Democratic Senator Tina Smith.

Rep. Tom Emmer, the House Republican Whip from Minnesota, criticized Flanagan’s appearance as politically motivated. “Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig are battling it out in an attempt to win over the far-left radicals in the Twin Cities,” Emmer told Fox News Digital. “Anyone with common sense sees right through this stunt.”

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of a massive fraud investigation centered on Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit at the heart of what the Justice Department has called one of the most extensive pandemic relief fraud schemes ever uncovered. Since the investigation began, authorities have identified approximately $250 million in fraudulent claims, resulting in charges against 78 individuals. However, federal authorities believe the actual scope of the fraud could reach up to $9 billion.

Many of those charged in connection with the fraud scheme are members of Minnesota’s sizable Somali community, which has been established in the state for decades. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali diaspora in the United States, with significant cultural and economic influence in areas of Minneapolis.

The scandal has created political fallout for Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who has faced criticism for his administration’s handling of the relief programs. More than 400 Minnesota state employees have spoken out about the issue, accusing Walz of negligence in acting on fraud warnings and retaliating against whistleblowers.

When questioned about the fraud in a recent New York Times interview, Walz acknowledged potential systemic weaknesses, saying, “The programs are set up to move the money to people. The programs are set up to improve people’s lives, and in many cases, the criminals find the loopholes.”

In response to the growing scandal, Walz established a new anti-fraud task force. “The message here in Minnesota is if you commit a crime, if you commit fraud against public dollars, you are going to go to prison,” he told the Times.

The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), launched an investigation into Walz’s handling of the relief program in early December. “This massive amount of fraud is affecting and impacting every citizen of Minnesota because they’re having to cut services because so much of the money for social programs was wasted and defrauded by this Somali population,” Comer stated during an appearance on Fox News.

Comer has indicated plans to subpoena testimony and records, potentially setting the stage for high-profile congressional hearings on the matter.

The controversy has also drawn the attention of President Donald Trump, who terminated deportation protections for Somali nationals living in Minnesota “effectively immediately” in November after news of the fraud scandal broke. “Send them back to where they came from,” Trump posted to Truth Social. “It’s OVER!”

As the investigation continues, the case highlights the intersection of immigration policy, community relations, and government accountability in Minnesota, particularly as the state prepares for crucial Senate elections where Flanagan hopes to secure a Democratic nomination.

Both Flanagan and Walz did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.