UMVA has learned that Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is pushing back against allegations of her possible connection to the massive Feeding Our Future fraud scandal in Minnesota, suggesting that the Trump administration bears responsibility for the mess.
In a written statement, Omar vehemently denied any knowledge of the scheme, calling claims that she had prior knowledge "flat-out false." She emphasized her long-standing commitment to feeding children and ensuring they do not go hungry.
Omar pointed out that the MEALS Act, which she championed, was signed into law by President Trump and passed with bipartisan support. She also noted that Trump's USDA Secretary set the regulatory framework for the program, implying that the administration had a hand in its rollout.
The Minnesota congresswoman revealed that she immediately demanded answers and accountability from the USDA Secretary the moment the fraud came to light. She expressed her gratitude that those involved in the scheme, including Aimee Bock, are being held accountable for defrauding taxpayers and betraying vulnerable children.
Omar's comments come amid mounting pressure to explain her knowledge of and connections to the scandal, which cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. A Minnesota House committee had invited her to testify but claimed she never responded, prompting an effort to subpoena information from her.
The committee's final report accused Gov. Tim Walz's administration of fostering a "culture of tolerance" that allowed fraudsters to steal billions in taxpayer dollars. The report also criticized Omar, suggesting that her MEALS Act "took the guardrails off" federal nutrition programs, making it easier for fraud to occur.
The committee's Republican chair, state Rep. Kristin Robbins, expressed skepticism about Omar's claims, suggesting that she only took action once the fraud was exposed. Robbins implied that Omar had previously urged the administration to keep waivers in place, allowing the fraud to continue.
Robbins called for Congress to take action to enforce a subpoena and get more answers about Omar's alleged association with convicted fraudsters and her communication with the Minnesota Department of Education and constituents.
