Trump targets Ilhan Omar and Somali community at White House Easter lunch
President Donald Trump repeated unsubstantiated allegations about widespread fraud in Minnesota's Somali-American community
WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – President Donald Trump repeated unsubstantiated allegations about widespread fraud in Minnesota’s Somali-American community and renewed personal attacks on Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during a White House Easter lunch, as his administration intensifies scrutiny of public assistance programs in the state.
“They come here with no money, and they go out and buy Mercedes-Benzes. And Ilhan Omar, who married her brother, is a stone-cold crook, and everybody knows it,” Trump said in remarks shared by the White House’s rapid response account on X. Omar has consistently denied allegations that she married a man identified as her brother to help him gain legal status in the U.S., calling the claims “sick” and politically motivated smears without credible evidence.
The remarks come as federal prosecutors estimate fraud in certain Medicaid-related services and state programs could exceed $9 billion, with Trump himself putting losses across childcare, feeding programs, autism services and housing assistance as high as $19 billion. Minnesota officials have confirmed multiple large-scale fraud cases, most notably a pandemic-era child feeding scheme in which defendants — many of Somali descent — allegedly diverted funds toward real estate, luxury vehicles and international travel. Dozens have faced charges, with documented losses in the hundreds of millions. Independent reviews have confirmed fraud at levels lower than Trump’s highest estimates.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance have revived long-standing claims that Omar committed immigration fraud, with Vance saying the administration believes she “definitely committed immigration fraud” and has discussed possible legal remedies with White House officials. Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed that records related to Omar’s marriages and immigration history are under review.
The administration has terminated Temporary Protected Status for some Somalis in Minnesota, deployed federal agents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and frozen certain childcare funds pending review. During his February State of the Union address, Trump called Minnesota a “stunning example” of corruption, claiming Somali community members had “pillaged” billions. Omar, seated in the chamber, interrupted by shouting: “That’s a lie.”
Leaders in Minnesota’s Somali community say the rhetoric unfairly targets an entire group for the actions of individuals charged in specific cases, and legal aid groups have filed lawsuits claiming fast-tracked deportations deny fair hearings.
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