House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) has formally requested an investigation into claims that millions of dollars in Minnesota taxpayer funds have been diverted to the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab, which is linked to Al-Qaida. In a letter to U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Daniel Rosen, Emmer highlighted estimates that approximately one billion dollars may have been misappropriated during the administration of Governor Tim Walz (D-MN). He urged for a comprehensive inquiry into reports suggesting that these funds were sent to Somalia through the hawala network, a traditional informal money transfer system often associated with illicit financial activities.

Emmer's request follows a report from City Journal, which cited federal counterterrorism sources confirming that substantial amounts of stolen funds have indeed reached Al-Shabaab. The allegations suggest that members of Minnesota's significant Somali community may be involved in this financial misconduct. Emmer stated, "The largest funder of Al-Shabaab is the Minnesota taxpayer," emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the handling of fraud by the Walz administration.

The letter also referenced ongoing concerns regarding various fraud schemes, including the Feeding our Future initiative and programs related to housing and child care assistance. Emmer noted that his office had previously reached out to the Walz administration multiple times regarding these issues without receiving satisfactory responses.

In September, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota announced criminal indictments against eight individuals for fraud related to the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program, six of whom are reportedly members of the Somali community. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger indicated that these cases are characterized by the creation of fictitious companies aimed solely at defrauding state resources, a situation that is particularly concerning given the potential impact on vulnerable populations who rely on these services.

Emmer concluded his letter by expressing alarm over the possibility that taxpayer dollars are being misused in a manner that could support terrorist activities, thereby diverting essential resources away from those in need.