Americano What’s the matter with Minnesota?
Jan 21, 2026
Bill Glahn, an investigative journalist and policy fellow at the American Experiment Institute, dives deep into the political turmoil of Minnesota. He reveals how a large Somali resettlement has contributed to welfare fraud, stirring social tensions. The conversation touches on the aftermath of George Floyd's death, the role of ICE, and the failures of local leadership. Glahn also highlights how Minnesota's frigid weather can surprisingly quell unrest, contrasting intense local media coverage with the calmer suburban reality.
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Demographic Shift Fueled Political Flashpoints
- Minnesota's demographic shift began in the 1990s with large Somali refugee resettlement concentrated in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
- A small portion of that community allegedly committed large-scale fraud that destabilized state systems and politics.
Culture Clash With Welfare Systems
- High-trust Scandinavian welfare systems depend on social norms that don't translate well when mixed with low-trust cultures unfamiliar with centralized governance.
- That cultural mismatch created opportunities for abuse and systemic breakdown, according to Bill Glahn.
Aftermath Of George Floyd Riots
- The George Floyd killing and subsequent riots left large commercial districts burned or vacant in Minneapolis.
- Bill Glahn says George Floyd Square remains unchanged with memorials still in place five years later.