U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that an alleged corruption scheme involving members of the Somali community in the state of Minnesota may be far larger than what investigators have so far uncovered, suggesting that the total amount involved could reach as much as $50 billion.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, D.C., following the Christmas and New Year holidays spent at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump said current findings point to $19 billion in alleged fraud, but argued that the true figure could be significantly higher.
“When they say $19 billion, it usually means the real number is much bigger,” Trump said, describing the figures as “extraordinary” and “far beyond normal levels.” He added that investigators often uncover only a fraction of the actual losses in large-scale corruption cases.
The president alleged that those involved had directly stolen money from U.S. taxpayers and said strong action must be taken. He called for the deportation of all individuals found to be involved in the alleged corruption, emphasizing a hardline stance on accountability.
Trump also singled out Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, accusing her of being involved in the alleged corruption and claiming she was among those leading it. He described her as corrupt, though no evidence was presented during his remarks, and no official charges against Omar have been announced.
In his comments, Trump further stated that the U.S. government would no longer provide funding connected to the alleged scheme, declaring that “the era of easy money is over.” He added that the federal government would stop issuing payments to those implicated and suggested that funding to certain states, including California and Illinois, would also be reviewed or halted.
As of now, U.S. federal authorities have not publicly confirmed Trump’s estimates, nor have they released official findings supporting the claim that the alleged fraud could reach $50 billion. Investigations into suspected misuse of public funds in Minnesota remain ongoing, according to U.S. media reports.
Neither Representative Ilhan Omar nor her office has issued an immediate response to the accusations. Analysts note that the president’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and ongoing debates over immigration, federal spending, and accountability in government-funded programs.
The situation is expected to draw significant political and legal scrutiny in the coming days as investigators continue their work and officials respond to the president’s statements.
