The U.S. House Oversight Committee, chaired by James Comer (R-Ky.), has launched an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his alleged mishandling of taxpayer funds in a fraud scheme involving Somali immigrants. This scheme reportedly defrauded the government of over $1 billion from a COVID-19 food aid program intended for children. Comer claims that Walz was warned about the fraud but failed to act appropriately, leading to substantial misappropriation of funds, some of which were allegedly funneled to the terrorist organization al-Shabaab.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has already convicted 59 individuals connected to this fraud, known as the Feeding Our Future scandal. The investigation follows prior scrutiny from House Republicans regarding Minnesota's aid programs, which they argue are susceptible to exploitation. Allegations indicate that funds intended for school meals were diverted to support lavish lifestyles of nonprofit employees, including luxury vehicles and overseas real estate investments. A whistleblower from Minnesota's Department of Human Services has accused Walz of retaliating against those who reported the fraud, suggesting that oversight mechanisms were weakened during the investigation. An audit from June 2024 revealed inadequate oversight by the Minnesota Department of Education, contributing to the fraud.

Governor Walz has stated his commitment to prosecuting those involved in the fraud while distinguishing between fraud and corruption in his comments about former President Donald Trump. The ongoing investigation raises serious concerns about the management of public funds and the impact on vulnerable populations during the pandemic.

In a separate legal matter, Tania Nemer, a former immigration judge, has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, D.C., claiming her termination by the DOJ was discriminatory. Nemer alleges that her firing was influenced by her gender, dual citizenship with Lebanon, and her political affiliation as a Democrat, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and her First Amendment rights. Dismissed without prior notice, Nemer's case highlights broader issues of discrimination within federal employment, particularly in the context of immigration law, where over 100 judges have reportedly been removed since Trump took office.

Additionally, Daniel Richman, a former lawyer for ex-FBI Director James Comey, has initiated a lawsuit against the DOJ concerning the handling of evidence from his online accounts. Richman seeks to prevent the DOJ from accessing his files, arguing that their continued possession violates his Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. This lawsuit follows the dismissal of a criminal case against Comey, raising questions about the DOJ's adherence to constitutional protections in high-profile cases.

Lastly, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has addressed the legality of military actions taken during the Trump administration, particularly a double-tap airstrike that killed survivors from a previous attack. Johnson's remarks suggest that such strikes are necessary for military missions, echoing justifications used during the Obama administration. However, critics point to the humanitarian consequences of drone strikes, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties over the years. The Costs of War Project estimates that U.S. military actions have led to over 900,000 deaths globally, raising critical questions about accountability and the ethical implications of U.S. military policy.