A seismic shift has occurred within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota. Joe Thompson, the former acting U.S. Attorney, has unexpectedly resigned, leaving behind a legacy marked by uncovering a staggering $250 million fraud scheme.
Thompson, appointed by President Trump in 2025, steered the office with a focus on high-stakes cases until Daniel Rosen assumed the role of U.S. Attorney. His departure, communicated in a brief email to colleagues, offered no explanation for his decision, fueling speculation about the reasons behind it.
The resignation appears to be linked to a deepening internal conflict within the Justice Department regarding the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal immigration agent. Thompson reportedly clashed with DOJ leadership over the scope and direction of the inquiry.
Sources indicate Thompson vehemently opposed the exclusion of state officials from the investigation and resisted efforts to investigate Good’s widow. This disagreement reportedly proved to be a breaking point, prompting his exit from the office.
Thompson’s tenure was largely defined by the “Feeding Our Future” case, a massive fraud that exploited pandemic-era food programs. The investigation exposed systemic vulnerabilities and led to numerous indictments and convictions within the state’s Somali community.
The scandal’s reach extended to the highest levels of Minnesota politics, contributing to Governor Tim Walz’s decision not to seek a third term. Thompson himself publicly acknowledged Minnesota’s unfortunate distinction as a national leader in fraud.
Beyond the “Feeding Our Future” case, Thompson played a pivotal role in prosecuting Vance Boelter, accused of a horrific shooting spree that claimed the lives of state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and severely injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Thompson’s departure is not an isolated incident. At least four senior lawyers within the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division have also resigned in recent days, adding to the sense of turmoil within the department.
These resignations stem from a decision to remove the Civil Rights Division from the Good shooting investigation, a move reportedly orchestrated by Harmeet Dhillon, the division’s head. The decision has sparked outrage and raised questions about the impartiality of the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding Renee Good’s death remain fiercely contested. The Trump administration maintains Good attempted to ram an ICE officer, while critics argue she was attempting to flee. The conflicting narratives underscore the sensitivity and complexity of the case.
The wave of resignations signals a potential crisis of confidence within the Justice Department, raising concerns about the integrity of ongoing investigations and the pursuit of justice in high-profile cases.
