On December 18, 2025, First Assistant United States Attorney Joe Thompson announced that losses from alleged fraud in Minnesota's Medicaid program could reach as high as $9 billion. He described the misconduct as 'industrial-scale fraud,' with estimates suggesting that half or more of the $18 billion spent on 14 programs since 2018 may be fraudulent. These programs include essential services such as autism and housing assistance.

Despite the gravity of these allegations, major corporate media outlets, including CNN, MS NOW, and NBC News, have provided minimal coverage of the scandal. A review by the Daily Caller News Foundation indicated that while these outlets have mentioned Somalia and fraud-related topics, they have largely avoided direct discussion of the Minnesota allegations. For instance, broadcasts on MS NOW and CNN have focused on other issues, including U.S. military actions in Somalia and political rhetoric surrounding the Somali community, without addressing the fraud scandal.

On December 22, MS NOW's 'Deadline: White House' and other programs discussed the political implications of the allegations but did not delve into the details of the fraud itself. When MS NOW finally addressed the issue on a subsequent broadcast, it framed the scandal as a politically advantageous topic for Republicans rather than a substantive issue of public concern. Analysts have raised questions about the politicization of federal agencies involved in the investigation, suggesting that this could undermine public trust.

Thompson's statements highlighted the potential scale of the fraud, which, if confirmed, would represent a significant portion of Somalia's gross domestic product, estimated at $11.97 billion in 2024. Additionally, independent investigations, such as a video by YouTuber Nick Shirley, have revealed that several purported Somali-run daycare centers in Minnesota received substantial taxpayer funding despite lacking children. This video has garnered significant attention online, yet mainstream media outlets have not prominently featured these findings.

Critics have noted that the media's coverage of fraud allegations against the Somali community in Minnesota has often downplayed the severity of the claims while focusing on defending the community. Reports from various outlets, including the Associated Press and CNN, have emphasized the positive contributions of Minnesota Somalis, while the multibillion-dollar fraud scheme allegations have been largely overlooked. This approach has been attributed to a desire to avoid accusations of racism or xenophobia, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump's comments on the issue.

The Washington Post and other outlets have been criticized for quoting community defenders and political figures, such as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, without providing substantial evidence regarding the fraud claims. This has led to questions about the integrity of the reporting and the potential complicity of local media in obscuring the issue. Furthermore, the Star Tribune has faced scrutiny for its editorial choices, which some perceive as an attempt to protect political figures like Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from scrutiny. The editorial board's focus on community defense rather than the fraud itself has raised concerns about accountability and transparency in reporting.

The implications of this coverage extend beyond Minnesota, as similar fraud schemes may be occurring in other states, potentially affecting taxpayers nationwide. The need for comprehensive investigations into such allegations is emphasized, highlighting the importance of responsible journalism in addressing issues of public concern.