Minnesota Congresswoman Tied to $250 Million Child Nutrition Fraud Scheme

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., has accused Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., of being aware of fraud perpetrated by members of Minnesota’s Somali community.

Three individuals — Abdihakim Ali Ahmed, Ahmed Abdullahi Ghedi, and Ahmed Sharif Omar-Hashim — recently received prison sentences for their roles in the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme that exploited federal child nutrition programs during the pandemic.

Emmer told reporters that the scheme involved charging over 90 people, with 86 of them being Somali individuals from the community. He noted that the program was created by Rep. Omar during the pandemic to feed children under the MEALS [Maintaining Essential Access to Lunch for Students] Act.

A federal judge has determined that the MEALS Act was drafted in a manner susceptible to fraud.

Emmer added that many of those involved were not only constituents but also friends of Rep. Omar, and he cited videotapes showing her with some of the fraudsters. He criticized local media in the Twin Cities for failing to highlight these connections.

Emmer indicated that federal officials and congressional investigators are examining the matter, including the U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump and a committee led by James Comer. He also pointed out Rep. Omar’s sudden accumulation of wealth with her third husband, noting she previously reported a net worth of up to $30 million but later claimed an accounting error.

Emmer concluded that individuals should come to the United States to be American: “If you’re not doing that, get the hell out here.”