Trump is done with fraud and this time he means business.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Wednesday that the Trump administration is reviewing whether U.S. citizenship obtained through fraud can be revoked, following an expanding federal investigation into large-scale misuse of public assistance programs in Minnesota.
Speaking on Fox & Friends, Leavitt said the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State are examining cases where individuals may have secured citizenship under false pretenses. Federal law allows for denaturalization when citizenship is proven to have been obtained through fraud.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin explained that U.S. statutes are clear on the issue, stating that citizenship gained unlawfully can be revoked through proper legal proceedings.
Minnesota has become the focal point of one of the largest fraud investigations involving taxpayer-funded programs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 100,000 residents of Somali descent live in the state, which has drawn increased scrutiny following federal indictments.
The Department of Justice has charged 98 individuals in connection with the investigation dating back to 2022. Court records show that the convicted ringleader of the Feeding Our Future case, Aimee Bock, is white, while a majority of those charged come from immigrant backgrounds. Officials stress that the investigation is based on evidence and conduct, not ethnicity.
Republican Rep. Tom Emmer said Tuesday that anyone—citizen or non-citizen—found guilty of defrauding taxpayers should face the full consequences of the law, including deportation where legally applicable.
The controversy has intensified pressure on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with Trump administration officials accusing state leadership of ignoring warning signs for years. Public attention surged after reporting by independent journalist Nick Shirley went viral online.
President Donald Trump has argued that strong immigration enforcement is essential to protecting taxpayers and restoring confidence in federal assistance programs. His administration recently ended certain temporary protections while expanding reviews of green cards connected to high-risk regions.
Trump has also criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar, asserting that political leaders must be held accountable when fraud flourishes under their watch. Omar responded on X, dismissing the criticism.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that citizenship is a privilege governed by law—not a shield for fraud—adding that enforcement actions will proceed through lawful channels.
The renewed focus on Minnesota comes as the administration strengthens immigration screening nationwide. Federal agencies have begun reviewing green cards tied to 19 countries following recent national security concerns.
Administration officials say the objective remains straightforward: protect taxpayers, enforce existing law, and ensure American citizenship retains its value and integrity.