House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer will open a hearing accusing Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison, of being "asleep at the wheel" as investigators probe alleged fraud in state programs. Federal prosecutors say more than $240 million was stolen from the federal Child Nutrition Program via the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, and the investigation has broadened to other state-run services and childcare providers. Comer warns vulnerable residents were harmed and calls current findings "just the tip of the iceberg." A follow-up hearing for Walz and Ellison is scheduled for Feb. 10, attendance uncertain.
Comer Says Gov. Tim Walz Was 'Asleep at the Wheel' as Minnesota Fraud Probe Widens
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) will open a high-profile hearing by accusing Minnesota leaders of failing to stop alleged fraud in state programs — a probe that federal prosecutors say began with the 2022 Feeding Our Future case and has since broadened.
Hearing Focus
In a prepared opening statement obtained by media outlets, Comer says he will ask whether "Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership" were negligent or even "complicit" as investigators uncovered the scheme. Comer’s remarks emphasize the human cost of the alleged thefts and call for accountability from state officials.
Allegations and Investigations
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have charged multiple people in connection with what they say was a scheme that stole more than $240 million from the federal Child Nutrition Program through the Minnesota-based nonprofit Feeding Our Future. Authorities say the inquiry has expanded to examine other state-run programs and state-funded childcare providers.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota, during a television interview at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Sept. 30, 2025.
"Minnesota’s social services — which are funded by you, the American taxpayer — are being ripped off. The most vulnerable are suffering as a result," Comer says in his prepared remarks.
Comer also quotes allegations that some providers overstated or fabricated services and that funds intended for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicaid recipients were diverted. He notes that some individuals charged in the probe are from Minnesota’s Somali community; that characterization is part of Comer’s prepared remarks and reflects the allegations cited in the hearing materials.
Scope and Response
U.S. attorneys have suggested potential losses could reach into the billions, a figure Governor Walz and other Minnesota Democrats dispute while accusing House Republicans of politicizing the investigation. Comer calls the cases revealed so far "just the tip of the iceberg."
Next Steps
The hearing is scheduled to begin Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET and will include testimony from three Republican state legislators. Comer has summoned Gov. Walz and Attorney General Ellison to a follow-up hearing on Feb. 10; their attendance has not been confirmed. House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) is also scheduled to participate.
Note: This account reports allegations and statements made by committee members and prosecutors. Some claims remain under investigation and have not been adjudicated in court.
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