Rep. Anna Paulina Luna refers Gov. Tim Walz to DOJ for criminal charges

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Refers Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to DOJ for Criminal Charges

On January 7, 2026, during a House Oversight Committee hearing focused on fraud in Minnesota, Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) announced that she has referred Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and state Attorney General Keith Ellison to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential criminal charges. This referral stems from allegations of their involvement in a fraud scheme related to the Somali community in Minnesota.

Key Details

During the hearing, which featured testimony from lawmakers and witnesses regarding fraud in Minnesota, Rep. Luna stated, "Based on testimony today, I have enough evidence to believe both Tim Walz and Keith Ellison were knowingly complicit in a Somali fraud scheme in Minnesota." She emphasized her belief that both officials had a role in the alleged fraudulent activities, leading her to take the step of referring them to the DOJ.

In her statement, Luna referenced specific sections of U.S. law, including U.S. Code 371 and U.S. Code 2, which pertain to criminal conspiracies to defraud the United States. These codes establish liability for individuals who knowingly assist or facilitate the commission of a federal offense, including cases of "willing full blindness" or "deliberate inaction" when there is a duty to act. Luna indicated that she would be making these criminal referrals later that same day.

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Background

The Somali fraud scandal in Minnesota has drawn significant attention in recent years, with allegations of widespread fraud involving public assistance programs and other government resources. The state has a large Somali population, and concerns have been raised about the misuse of funds intended for community support. The House Oversight Committee hearing aimed to address these issues and investigate the extent of the fraud.

Governor Tim Walz, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, has been in office since January 2019. Attorney General Keith Ellison, also a member of the same party, has served in his role since January 2019 as well. Both officials have faced scrutiny regarding their handling of the fraud allegations and the effectiveness of their responses to the ongoing investigations.

What"s Next

The referral to the DOJ marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into fraud in Minnesota. If the DOJ decides to pursue charges against Walz and Ellison, it could lead to a high-profile legal battle that may have implications for both officials" political futures. As Rep. Luna stated, "May justice be swift. The American people are tired of being taken advantage of." This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among constituents regarding perceived corruption and mismanagement within government.

As the situation unfolds, further investigations and hearings may be conducted to gather more evidence and testimonies related to the alleged fraud scheme. The outcome of the DOJ"s review of the referrals could also influence public opinion and political dynamics in Minnesota and beyond.

For related coverage on political developments, see recent developments regarding other political controversies.

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