On January 1, 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed guests at his New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, making controversial statements regarding alleged fraud in Minnesota. Trump claimed that $18 billion had been stolen, a figure that lacks substantiation and has been disputed by various sources. He referred to the state's Somali American population in a negative context, suggesting that similar issues of fraud were present in other Democratic-led states such as California, Illinois, and New York.

The claims surrounding Minnesota's alleged fraud have been a topic of significant debate, with reports indicating that federal investigations have focused on hundreds of millions of dollars rather than the figure Trump cited. Joe Thompson, a prosecutor appointed by Trump, previously estimated the amount involved to be around $1 billion but later suggested that a larger sum could be implicated.

Trump's remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of social service programs in Minnesota, particularly those related to child care, which have faced allegations of fraud. The White House has responded to these allegations by clarifying its stance on federal funding, stating that while documentation and audit requirements have been tightened, funding has not been frozen.

As Trump enters the midterm election year with declining approval ratings, his comments reflect ongoing political tensions surrounding social equity and the administration's handling of federal resources. The implications of his statements may further exacerbate divisions within the electorate, particularly regarding perceptions of marginalized communities.