The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show It's a Numbers Game: The Numbers Behind Minnesota’s Billion-Dollar Welfare Fraud Scandal
Dec 8, 2025
Ryan Thorpe, an investigative journalist with the Manhattan Institute, discusses a staggering welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota involving Somali communities, totaling over $1 billion in fraudulent claims. He delves into how flawed government programs and lax oversight enabled these schemes, even connecting some funds to Al-Shabaab. Thorpe also critiques media reactions and the political climate surrounding the issue, as well as highlights necessary reforms to protect taxpayers and restore trust in public assistance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Massive Minnesota Fraud Exposed
- Ryan (host of It's a Numbers Game) highlights a reported billion-dollar welfare fraud scheme tied to Somali immigrants in Minnesota.
- He says some funds allegedly flowed back to Somalia and may have reached Al-Shabaab, raising national security concerns.
Generational Fiscal Lag Of Some Immigrants
- Ryan (host) presents long-run fiscal estimates claiming Somali refugees impose large net negative fiscal impacts for multiple generations.
- He argues some immigrant groups need multiple generations to become net contributors to public finances.
Limited Economic Progress Over Decades
- Ryan (host) cites Minnesota Chamber data showing little median household income growth for the Somali community despite substantial investment.
- He highlights persistent high poverty and modest educational gains over two decades as indicators of limited economic assimilation.