Senate Hearing Erupts in Shouting Match Over Minnesota Fraud Investigation
In a dramatic Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing on Thursday morning, tensions flared as Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, engaged in a heated confrontation with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. The clash centered on a federal investigation into alleged fraud involving millions of dollars stolen from social service programs in Minnesota.
Accusations of Complicity and Calls for Resignation
Hawley launched a series of sharp accusations, claiming that Ellison was complicit in a fraud scheme that misappropriated federal funds allocated for Minnesota's social services. According to reports from The Hill, federal prosecutors estimate that millions of dollars were stolen during this scheme. "You've been right at the center of this project from the beginning, and you've enabled it, and you should resign," Hawley declared during his questioning time.
Ellison fired back immediately, retorting, "You should resign. I was thinking the same thing about you." The exchange quickly escalated, with Hawley raising his voice to suggest that Ellison should be indicted, while the attorney general vehemently denied all allegations.
Allegations of Personal Profit and Whistleblower Claims
Hawley further alleged that Ellison and his family profited from the fraud scheme, citing claims from a Minnesota whistleblower. The whistleblower asserted that Ellison and other state officials were aware of the fraud as early as 2019 but failed to take action. In response, Ellison stated firmly, "For the record, he's lying, and that's the truth."
The tension was palpable from the outset, with Ellison refusing to answer Hawley's initial question about confirming his job title. Hawley warned, "Mr. Ellison, you're in my courtroom now, you're under oath, so I suggest that you answer my questions."
Committee Chair Intervenes as Exchange Intensifies
Committee Chair Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, intervened multiple times in an attempt to calm the situation, telling Hawley, "I think we've made a point." However, Hawley dismissed this, responding, "Oh I'll ask how I want to, Senator Paul."
At another point, Hawley asserted, "It's my hearing, pal," to which Ellison retorted, "Don't call me pal." Hawley shot back, "I should call you prisoner because you ought to be in jail."
Broader Context of Political Targeting and Immigration Issues
Ellison has long been a target of Republican criticism. In January, he was among the Minnesota officials subpoenaed by the Justice Department over allegations of state interference in federal immigration operations. Since the enforcement operation began, Ellison has filed several lawsuits challenging the federal government's actions in Minnesota.
The hearing featured two panels. The first included Ellison alongside other Minnesota officials such as House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota, Minnesota state House GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska, and Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell. A second panel comprised U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow, Customs and Border Protection Director Rodney Scott, and acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons. Chair Paul had demanded their appearance following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.
Additional Criticism from Other Senators
Ellison also faced criticism during the hearing from Senators Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, and Ashley Moody, a Republican from Florida. Johnson accused Ellison of responsibility for two deaths involving federal law enforcement in Minnesota, stating, "Attorney General, you did the exact opposite and two people are dead because you encouraged them to put themselves in harm's way."
Ellison denied these accusations, calling Johnson's remarks "a nice theatrical performance, but it was all lies."
The hearing underscored deep political divisions and highlighted ongoing investigations into fraud and immigration enforcement, with Ellison remaining a focal point of Republican scrutiny.
