Allies Of Rep. Ilhan Omar Linked To Large Minnesota COVID-Era Meal Fraud; Federal Probes Expand

Allegations Tie Local Associates To Pandemic-Era Feeding Program Fraud

Federal investigators and media reports have linked several associates of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) to a large-scale pandemic-era fraud scheme in Minnesota that prosecutors say diverted hundreds of millions in emergency meal funding intended for children.

What Authorities Say: Beginning in 2020, roughly $250 million in state-administered funds were distributed to expand school and child nutrition programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors allege much of that money was funneled through a network of organizations and businesses — including groups tied to Minnesota’s Somali community — and was instead redirected to personal expenses and unrelated purchases.

Key Figures And Developments

Salim Ahmed Said, co-owner of Safari Restaurant (the site of Rep. Omar’s 2018 victory party), was convicted in March for his role in the scheme. According to prosecutors, some program funds were used to finance an extravagant lifestyle, including purchases tied to a reported $2 million Minneapolis residence and recurring high-end retail spending.

Federal filings identify the 2020 MEALS Act — legislation introduced by Rep. Omar that expanded emergency meal funding and passed with bipartisan support — as a statutory mechanism that increased the pool of funds available to feeding programs. Much of the grant money at issue was allegedly routed through the now-defunct nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which received substantial awards from state administrators. Omar appears in promotional material for emergency meal efforts; she has not been charged in the investigations.

Guhaad Hashi Said, a Democratic activist and former Omar campaign staffer, pleaded guilty to operating a sham feeding program, Advance Youth Athletic Development, which federal prosecutors say falsely claimed to serve thousands of meals per day while diverting millions in grant funds.

Investigations And Political Fallout

As of November, at least 78 people have been charged in what prosecutors and observers have described as among the largest pandemic-relief fraud investigations in the country. The Justice Department continues to pursue criminal cases tied to the relief programs. Separate inquiries by the Small Business Administration and a U.S. House Oversight Committee are probing oversight and potential networks of organizations involved in the awards process, including questions about state-level administration of the grants.

Rep. Omar: Omar has condemned the alleged fraud as "reprehensible" and said those involved should be held accountable. On CNN, she attributed part of the problem to the rapid rollout of COVID-era programs that relied heavily on third-party providers and said "a lot of the guardrails did not get created."

The reporting and investigations have drawn sharp public commentary. Former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Omar and members of the Somali community in Minnesota, making broad accusations about the scale of the theft and personal attacks against the congresswoman. Supporters and some local leaders have pushed back, urging due process and careful, nonpartisan investigation into the facts.

Reporting And Sources: Coverage of the case has appeared in multiple outlets, and federal court filings and Justice Department statements provide the basis for many allegations. News organizations have sought comment from Rep. Omar’s office; she has denied any personal involvement in criminal activity and emphasized the need for accountability.

Current Status

Criminal prosecutions, civil inquiries, and congressional reviews remain active. Authorities continue to develop cases and pursue charges where evidence supports criminal conduct. Observers say the scandal underscores both the vulnerabilities of rapidly implemented emergency programs and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms in future relief efforts.