The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: COVID-19-Era Grants Show How Identity Politics Can Shield Corruption
Dec 10, 2025
A deep dive into alleged COVID relief fraud in Minnesota reveals billions lost in taxpayer money, particularly within the Somali community. Critics slam state officials for inaction, raising questions about political corruption and accountability. Victor Davis Hanson discusses the immigrant gratitude debate and the responsibilities that come with living in the U.S. He highlights controversial statements from political figures like Ilhan Omar and scrutinizes her background and finances, suggesting a pattern of leveraging victimhood for political gain.
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Fraud Revealed Gaps In Local Oversight
- Victor Davis Hanson connects COVID-era grant fraud in Minnesota to broader questions about immigrant integration and civic gratitude.
- He argues federal intervention revealed failures by local leaders to detect large-scale abuses of pandemic relief funds.
Minnesota Somali Grants Allegedly Abused
- Hanson recounts that Minnesota's Somali community received billions in COVID grants allegedly used fraudulently to supply food and services.
- He emphasizes that state officials, including Governor Walz and AG Keith Ellison, failed to investigate until external pressure arose.
Politics May Shield Corruption
- Hanson notes state and local laws were allegedly violated but prosecutions were absent, implying political protection or negligence.
- He suggests campaign expectations and quid pro quo dynamics may explain the inaction of officials.