Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Insights on “Face the Nation,” Dec. 7, 2025
On December 7, 2025, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota appeared on El-Balad’s “Face the Nation” hosted by Margaret Brennan. The interview centered around ongoing investigations into a massive fraud case involving Minnesota’s welfare system, which has been labeled the largest COVID fraud scheme in the United States.
Discussion of Welfare Fraud Allegations
During the interview, Omar addressed allegations made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent claimed individuals associated with Omar’s campaign were linked to fraudulent activities that exploited Minnesota’s welfare services. Omar expressed that neither she nor the Secretary was fully aware of the specifics of these allegations.
Omar emphasized that her campaign had returned contributions from individuals who were later linked to this fraudulent scheme. She mentioned her proactive approach by writing to the Secretary of Agriculture, urging an investigation into suspected fraud within the welfare program.
Impact on the Somali Community
Omar highlighted the consequences of this fraud on the Somali community, illustrating that many Somali residents are Minnesota taxpayers. She pointed out the frustration within her community, as they too could have benefited from the funds that were misappropriated.
- Over $1 billion in taxpayer funds stolen in the fraud.
- 87 individuals charged in connection with the scheme, most of whom are of Somali descent.
Calls for Accountability
Brennan questioned Omar about potential failures by the Democratic state government to effectively manage and oversee the welfare program. Omar acknowledged the need for continued investigation to understand how such a vast amount of money was lost to fraud without proper oversight.
Omar remarked on past accusations that the fraud probe might be rooted in racial prejudice. She clarified that the head of the organization involved, Feeding Our Future, was not of Somali descent. Omar insisted that this was a systemic issue requiring thorough examination rather than superficial explanations.
Link to Broader Issues
The conversation extended to potential links between fraud and terrorism, which had been suggested by some Republicans. Omar expressed confidence that the allegations were unfounded, stating that if there was any evidence connecting the fraud to terrorism, it should have been prosecuted. She urged for transparency and accountability in addressing these serious accusations.
Community Response and Immigration Policies
Omar reacted strongly to derogatory comments made by former President Donald Trump about the Somali community, noting that these statements were not only offensive but potentially dangerous. She reinforced that 95% of the Somali community in Minnesota are U.S. citizens and deserve respect.
In recent developments, the Trump administration imposed tighter immigration controls, affecting asylum claims specifically from countries including Somalia. According to Omar, recent ICE actions have primarily targeted individuals already facing deportation orders, not undocumented immigrants.
Concluding Remarks
In her closing comments, Omar denounced rhetoric that demonizes immigrants, likening it to historical prejudices against various ethnic groups. She asserted that Somali Americans are an integral part of the community and contribute positively to American society.
Omar’s insights during the interview reflect both the challenges her community faces and her commitment to advocating for justice and accountability regarding the welfare fraud investigation.
