"Our kids should not be political pawns in a fight that Donald Trump seems to have with blue state (Democratic states) governors," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, adding the step was "vindictive" and "cruel." California Governor Gavin Newsom's office said that since taking office, Newsom has blocked over $125 billion in fraud. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has singled out Minnesota, alleging rampant fraud is being committed by immigrants in the welfare system and in social service programs. Trump administration officials have frequently and sharply attacked the state's Somali community, the largest in the country, as well as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, and Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American who represents a Minneapolis-based district in Congress. Rights advocates say the Trump administration is using the fraud investigations as an excuse to target immigrants and political opponents more broadly.

Source: The Telegraph January 07, 2026 06:57 UTC