Trump administration targets citizenship revocation for Somali fraud convicts

By 
 January 2, 2026

Buckle up, folks—there’s a storm brewing in Minnesota as the Trump administration takes aim at fraud with a heavy hand.

The White House is zeroing in on U.S. citizens from Somalia convicted of fraud in Minnesota, pushing for denaturalization while slashing federal childcare funding to the state and ramping up investigations across multiple agencies, as Breitbart reports.

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dropped this bombshell during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends, setting the tone for a no-nonsense approach. Her words weren’t just hot air; they signaled a coordinated effort that’s already in motion. And let’s be honest, when the administration says “priority,” they mean business, not bureaucracy.

Cracking Down on Fraud in Minnesota

The Department of Justice is rolling up its sleeves, executing search warrants and issuing subpoenas to root out fraud in the state. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security is pounding the pavement, conducting door-to-door investigations at suspected fraud sites. It’s a ground-level operation that’s anything but subtle.

Leavitt didn’t mince words on the severity of the situation during her “Fox & Friends” segment. “I want your audience to understand this is a top priority for the administration,” she said. If that doesn’t scream urgency, what does?

She went on to detail the multi-agency effort with a punch: “The Department of Justice, as we speak, is continuing to execute search warrants and subpoenas.” That’s not just talk—it’s action, and it’s happening now. For those who thought oversight was a buzzword, think again.

Denaturalization as a Policy Tool

The administration isn’t shying away from using denaturalization as a consequence for those convicted, a tool they’ve wielded before. Both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State are evaluating how to strip citizenship from those found guilty of fraud. It’s a bold move, but one that’s got precedent on its side.

Congressman Tom Emmer of Minnesota has thrown his weight behind this, calling for the revocation of citizenship for all Somalis convicted in these cases. With 85 of the 98 charged individuals being of Somali descent, according to Pam Bondi, the stakes are high. This isn’t about ethnicity—it’s about accountability under the law.

Leavitt doubled down on this stance, affirming the administration’s position with clarity. “Absolutely,” she responded when asked if President Trump supports revoking citizenship for those convicted. That’s not a maybe; it’s a mission.

Federal Funding Cuts Raise Eyebrows

In a move that’s sure to rattle state officials, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has suspended all childcare funding to Minnesota until the fraud probe wraps up. It’s a financial gut punch, meant to force cooperation or at least compliance. Is it harsh? Maybe, but fraud isn’t exactly a victimless crime.

The Department of Labor is also digging into Minnesota’s unemployment insurance program, looking for any cracks in the system. If there’s fraud there, they’re determined to find it. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s a full audit.

On top of that, deportations of unauthorized migrants in Minnesota communities are continuing without pause. The administration is sending a clear message: if you’re here unlawfully or gaming the system, there’s no safe harbor. It’s a policy that prioritizes law over leniency, for better or worse.

A Balanced Yet Firm Approach

Critics might argue this approach risks overreach, especially with denaturalization on the table, but supporters see it as a necessary stand against systemic abuse. Fraud erodes trust in public programs, and when taxpayer dollars are at stake, patience wears thin. The administration’s multi-pronged strategy aims to restore that trust, even if it ruffles feathers.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about targeting any community—it’s about targeting crime. The focus on Somali Americans convicted of fraud stems from the data, not prejudice, and the numbers speak for themselves. Justice should be blind, not swayed by progressive talking points or fear of backlash.

So, as Minnesota braces for the fallout of investigations and funding cuts, one thing is clear: the Trump administration isn’t playing games. Fraud has consequences, and they’re willing to use every tool at their disposal to enforce that. It’s a saga worth watching, with lessons for every state about the cost of oversight failures.

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Thomas Jefferson