**Treasury Probes Possible Link Between Minnesota Welfare Funds and al Shabaab**
The U.S. Treasury Department has launched an investigation into whether taxpayer money from Minnesota welfare programs was improperly funneled to the Somali terrorist group al Shabaab. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the probe during a press conference on Monday, stating that the matter is being taken very seriously.
The announcement came after federal agencies received reports suggesting that some local funds, meant to support low-income families, may have been misused and transferred abroad. Authorities are now working to trace financial transactions to see if there is any link to al Shabaab, a militant group based in Somalia and affiliated with al Qaeda.
The investigation is still at an early stage. No individuals or organizations have been officially accused of wrongdoing yet. Secretary Bessent said the Trump administration is committed to ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used to support terrorism.
Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali-American communities in the United States. State and local authorities are cooperating with federal investigators to review welfare program spending and monitor any financial irregularities.
Officials said they are looking into how public aid benefits, such as food assistance or childcare subsidies, could be redirected overseas. They are also reviewing the process for monitoring and auditing these social service programs.
Federal agencies involved in the investigation include the Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. Their efforts are focused on financial tracking and potential misuse of government welfare systems.
While the investigation does not yet confirm any direct link between welfare recipients and al Shabaab, the Treasury Department is urging financial institutions to report any suspicious activity related to fund transfers to East Africa.
The Biden administration has not yet commented on the investigation, which began under the Trump administration. Lawmakers on both sides have called for transparency as the probe continues.
Authorities say protecting national security and the proper use of public funds are top priorities. A final report is expected once the full audit and investigation are complete.
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