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Friday, January 9, 2026

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17 hours ago
Economy
World

Trump Backs Bill Imposing 500% Tariff on India, China, and Brazil for Buying Russian Oil.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A bipartisan sanctions bill has been introduced to target countries purchasing Russian oil, threatening tariffs up to 500 percent.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Russian oil purchasers like India, China, and Brazil.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Wednesday, with a vote expected as early as next week in Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This bill will allow President Trump to punish countries who buy cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine.” – Lindsey Graham

🎯IMPACT: The legislation could affect global oil markets and increase pressure on nations like India to reduce Russian oil imports.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump is backing legislation that would allow him to impose an unprecedented level of sanction-esque tariffs on countries like China, India, and Brazil for purchasing Russian oil. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced the bipartisan effort on Wednesday, which includes tariffs of up to 500 percent on buyers of Russian crude oil or uranium.

The legislation is designed to drastically increase pressure on nations that continue to trade with Russia despite existing U.S. sanctions. India, in particular, has faced criticism for increasing its imports of discounted Russian oil since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. According to Indian government data, Russian oil imports accounted for over 35 percent of the nation’s total oil imports last November, marking a six-month high.

“This bill will allow President Trump to punish countries who buy cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine,” Senator Graham said, naming India, China, and Brazil as potential targets. The bill, which refers to the measures as “secondary sanctions,” has reportedly been in development for months as the Trump administration continues its push for a peace deal in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, last Sunday, President Trump warned India that higher trade tariffs could be imposed if the nation does not reduce its Russian oil imports. “We could raise tariffs on India if they don’t help on the Russian oil issue,” he stated.

The legislation is expected to come to a vote as early as next week, with Senator Graham expressing optimism for a “strong bipartisan vote.”

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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1 minute ago
William Upton
Corruption
Crime

Trump Treasury Unleashes Financial Crimes Division on Minnesota.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Friday that he has ordered the department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to begin a geographic targeting operation for the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, applying extra scrutiny to all businesses engaging in overseas money transfers.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, FinCEN officials, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community, and Governor Tim Walz (D-MN).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on Friday, January 9, 2026.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This will put a microscope on these businesses, advance prosecutions, and assist in the recovery of funds laundered internationally.” — Scott Bessent

🎯IMPACT: The Treasury Department order will require wire transfer businesses and banks to submit additional information to FinCEN on money transfers before the transactions will be allowed to process.

IN FULL

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Friday that he has ordered the department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to begin a geographic targeting operation for the Minneapolis-St. Paul area applying extra scrutiny to all businesses engaging in overseas money transfers. The order will require wire transfer businesses and banks to submit additional information to FinCEN on money transfers before the transactions will be allowed to process.

“This will put a microscope on these businesses, advance prosecutions and assist in the recovery of funds laundered internationally,” Sec. Bessent said at a press conference announcing the new financial monitoring measures on Friday. He added, “Under Democratic Governor Tim Walz, welfare fraud has spiraled out of control. Billions of dollars intended for feeding hungry children, housing disabled seniors, and providing services for children in need were diverted to benefit Somali fraud rings.”


According to the Treasury Department, the geographic targeting order will “require banks and money transmitters located in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, which include Minneapolis and St. Paul, to report additional information about funds transferred outside of the United States. These businesses will be required to file reports with FinCEN above certain transactions of $3,000 or more where the beneficiary is located outside of the United States.”

The Treasury Department contends the order will provide federal law enforcement with greater insight into the overseas individuals receiving money transfers, and help “advance prosecutions and assist in the recovery of funds laundered internationally.” As part of the operation, the department has notified four money transfer businesses that they are under investigation for suspicious financial activity.

In addition to the FinCEN geographic targeting order, Sec. Bessent announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will soon launch a task force charged with investigating instances of COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud and violations of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by nonprofits tied to the numerous Somali community-linked social services fraud schemes.

Bessent added that FinCEN is already on the ground in Minnesota and will also provide training to federal, state, and local law enforcement on how to utilize Treasury Department tools, such as Suspicious Activity Reports, to combat fraud. “We will not let the incompetence and recalcitrance of Governor Walz stop law enforcement from holding these perpetrators accountable,” Bessent said.

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39 minutes ago
Crime
Immigration

DHS Surges 100 Additional CBP Agents Into Minnesota.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is deploying 100 additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to Minnesota for the weekend.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: DHS, CBP agents, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and Renee Nicole Good, an anti-ICE activist fatally shot after attempting to run over federal agents.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Minnesota over the coming weekend, with agents traveling from Chicago and New Orleans.

🎯IMPACT: DHS is pausing operations in Chicago to support the Minnesota deployment amid increasing tensions and violent anti-ICE protests.

IN FULL

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ordering the deployment of at least 100 more U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to Minnesota for the coming weekend. According to the DHS orders, the additional agents deployed to Minnesota will be primarily drawn from Chicago and New Orleans. Additionally, DHS plans to temporarily pause operations in Chicago to support this effort.

Notably, the ramp-up in CBP personnel comes after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot anti-ICE activist Renee Nicole Good on Wednesday when she attempted to use her vehicle to run over the officer. The deployment, according to DHS documents, will last through the weekend. On Sunday, the agents will return to their respective cities of operation.

DHS officials, including ICE and CBP agents, have been operating in Minnesota for weeks as part of a major immigration enforcement operation and investigation into widespread social services fraud allegations tied to the state’s Somali immigrant community. Federal prosecutors have estimated that upwards of $9 billion in taxpayer dollars may have been stolen through several criminal schemes.

Far-left activists violently assaulted federal immigration officers in Minneapolis on Thursday. The violent demonstration took place outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, where hundreds gathered to protest the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations and Good’s shooting. In another incident, an anti-ICE agitator in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was caught on video obstructing and attacking Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino before being detained by federal agents.

The National Pulse reported late Thursday that Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) called up the state’s National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement as clashes between violent leftists and federal law enforcement continued into the evening.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Data
Politics

Trump’s Approval Rises Among Young Men.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump’s approval rating among young men—a key demographic for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections—has shown an increase, according to recent polling data.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Gen Z male voters, and polling organizations such as YouGov and Reuters/Ipsos.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data from December 2025 to January 2026, covering national polls conducted across the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The polls are rigged even more than the writers. The real number is 64 percent, and why not, our Country is ‘hotter’ than ever before.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The trend hints at a potential improvement in Republicans’ fortunes in the 2026 midterm elections, if the upward trajectory continues.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump’s approval among young male voters is once again on the rise, according to recent polling data from organizations such as YouGov and Reuters/Ipsos. This demographic, particularly Gen Z males, has shown a notable improvement in their perception of the President’s job performance over the past few months, suggesting possibly improving fortunes for Republicans ahead of the 2026 congressional midterm elections.

Data from The Economist/YouGov shows that Trump’s approval among men aged 18-29 increased by four percentage points, from 26 percent to 30 percent, while disapproval dropped from 69 percent to 62 percent over the course of three successive polls. Similarly, his overall approval among all men rose from 44 percent in December 2025 to 47 percent in early January 2026.

Despite these gains, Trump continues to face challenges with younger voters as a whole, with his approval ratings in this group remaining relatively low. The Harvard Youth Poll conducted in November 2025 found that 32 percent of Gen Z males approved of his performance, while 62 percent disapproved.

“The polls are rigged even more than the writers. The real number is 64 percent, and why not, our Country is ‘hotter’ than ever before,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social in response to the polling data. He added, “Isn’t it nice to have a STRONG BORDER, No Inflation, a powerful Military, and great Economy??? Happy New Year!”

Experts suggest that as Gen Z voters advance in their careers and begin to prioritize issues like inflation, healthcare, and mortgage rates, both parties will need to adjust their strategies to engage this increasingly influential demographic. Trump’s improved standing among men signals potential opportunities for Republican gains in the 2026 midterm elections if the trend persists. Currently, the GOP holds a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, with a more robust majority in the Senate.

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Economy

Jobs Report Shows Labor Market Weakening Despite Unemployment Drop.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Labor’s latest report showed slower hiring and significant downward revisions to job figures for October and November 2025.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), economists, and analysts monitoring employment trends.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Data was released Friday, January 9, 2026, reflecting U.S. employment trends for December 2025 and revisions for prior months.

🎯IMPACT: Employment figures for October and November were revised down by 76,000 jobs, underscoring fragility in the labor market.

IN FULL

The U.S. labor market is weaker than previously thought, according to new jobs data released by the Department of Labor. December saw only 50,000 jobs added to the U.S. economy, a decline from the initially reported 64,000 jobs in November. The jobs report, released on Friday, also included a revision for November’s nonfarm payroll, reducing the total number of jobs added from 64,000 to 56,000.

Additionally, the 105,000 jobs lost in October were revised upward to 173,000. All in all, the data reveals that U.S. employment across the final two months of 2025 was 76,000 jobs lower than previously reported.

Despite the weakening job market, the unemployment rate ticked down in December to 4.4 percent from 4.6 percent in November. When President Donald J. Trump took office in January of 2025, the unemployment rate stood at 4.0 percent, with the rate holding relatively steady throughout the first year of his second term.

The weak jobs numbers are likely to spur the Federal Reserve to continue reducing interest rates in an effort to boost liquidity and overall employment. In December, the central bank initiated its third interest rate cut for the year, with economists anticipating at least one more cut in the first quarter of 2026.

Image by Adam Fagen.

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2 hours ago
War
World

Venezuela Following Instructions to Release Political Prisoners, Trump Confirms.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Venezuela released a number of imprisoned opposition figures, activists, and journalists as a gesture to “seek peace.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, U.S. President Donald J. Trump, opposition leaders, and human rights activists.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, in Guatire, Venezuela, and other locations across the country.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They’ve been great… Everything we’ve wanted, they’ve given us.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: The move was seen as a potential step toward dialogue and transition toward a free and open democracy in Venezuela.

IN FULL

The interim Venezuelan government released a number of high-profile opposition leaders, activists, and journalists from its prisons on Thursday. Venezuelan officials are characterizing the move as a gesture to “seek peace,” after the country’s former Marxist dictator, Nicolás Maduro, was captured earlier this month by U.S. forces and now faces narco-terrorism charges in New York.

Late Thursday, President Donald J. Trump revealed that the prisoner release came at the urging of the United States. “They’ve been great… Everything we’ve wanted, they’ve given us,” Trump said regarding Venezuela’s interim government led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Notably, Jorge Rodríguez, the brother of the acting president, stated that a “significant number” of people would be freed, though the exact number remained unclear as of Friday.

Among the prisoners whose release has been confirmed are Biagio Pilieri, an opposition leader linked to Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado’s 2024 presidential campaign, and Enrique Márquez, a former electoral authority and candidate in the 2024 election. Videos posted on social media showed emotional reunions, with relatives chanting “Libertad!” outside prisons.

In addition, the Spanish government confirmed the release of five of its citizens, including dual national and human rights activist Rocío San Miguel. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares identified others released as Andrés Martínez, José María Basoa, Ernesto Gorbe, and Miguel Moreno. Some had been detained on accusations of espionage or visa violations.

President Trump affirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a role in Venezuela’s future, including its oil resources, and hinted at a possible meeting with opposition leader María Corina Machado next week.

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3 hours ago
NatSec
War

U.S. Ready to Start Hitting Mexican Cartels on Land: Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump suggested the U.S. military could begin land strikes on drug cartels in Mexico.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Fox News host Sean Hannity.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments aired on January 8, 2026, during an interview with Sean Hannity.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’ve knocked out 97 percent of the drugs coming in by water. And we are going to start now hitting land, with regard to the cartels.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The remarks signal a potential escalation in U.S. military operations targeting drug cartels in Mexico.

IN FULL

During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity late Thursday, President Donald J. Trump stated that the military could begin land strikes on drug cartels in Mexico. “We’ve knocked out 97 percent of the drugs coming in by water. And we are going to start now hitting land, with regard to the cartels,” Trump shared during the segment.

“The cartels are running Mexico, it’s very sad to watch and see what’s happened to that country,” President Trump remarked, expressing concern that the cartel influence over Mexican government institutions poses a potential threat to the United States. The National Pulse reported last December that Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel is using teenagers to carry out targeted assassinations in the United States.

Meanwhile, in October, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed it had received credible intelligence that Mexican drug cartels were offering bounties to and communicating with left-wing, criminal U.S. domestic extremists to target and attack U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago, Illinois.

The comments come shortly after U.S. forces conducted a high-profile strike in Venezuela, capturing the nation’s Marxist dictator, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Celia Flores. Additionally, the Trump administration has issued warnings of potential military actions in other countries involved in narcotics trafficking, including Cuba and Colombia, over the past week.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has not yet issued a public response to Trump’s remarks.

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3 hours ago
Economy
News
World

Trump, Oil CEOs Meet to Discuss Return to Venezuela.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump is meeting with Big Oil executives to discuss a potential return to Venezuela for U.S. energy companies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, American Petroleum Institute CEO Mike Summers, and top oil executives.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The meeting is scheduled for Friday at the White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There are gonna be parameters that have to be put in place before there’s a significant investment in Venezuela.” – Mike Summers

🎯IMPACT: The oil industry’s return to Venezuela will likely depend on political stability, financial guarantees, and the repeal of sanctions.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump is scheduled to host a meeting with senior executives from major U.S. oil companies on Friday at the White House. The gathering is aimed at encouraging American energy firms to invest in and help revive Venezuela‘s oil sector, following the recent U.S. military action that led to the capture of Marxist dictator Nicolás Maduro.

Venezuela possesses some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves; however, its energy industry has suffered significantly from prolonged economic mismanagement, political instability, and infrastructure decay under previous socialist governance. Oil industry leaders remain cautious about pouring billions into repairs and expansion. Mike Summers, CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, stated, “There are gonna be parameters that have to be put in place before there’s a significant investment in Venezuela.” Key worries include unreliable rule of law, potential security threats, and an unpredictable political landscape.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has recognized these obstacles, saying, “To make the very big, long-term investments, we’ve got to get the government in a better place where they’ve got secure rule of law, national security, and that’s a process.” Executives have sought more concrete assurances from the administration regarding safety and long-term stability, but responses so far have fallen short.

The Trump administration has indicated it may ease certain sanctions to make it easier for U.S. firms to re-engage in Venezuela. Still, the country’s existing regulations—such as steep taxes, mandatory joint ventures with the state, and other restrictive terms—pose major barriers. “Venezuela has a very unfavorable fiscal regime—why would you go to a place like that?” said Luisa Palacios, the former Citgo chairwoman.

Industry observers note that, provided conditions improve significantly, Venezuela’s enormous reserves could draw substantial attention and capital from U.S. companies. Critical elements for success would include favorable fiscal arrangements, protective financial mechanisms, and sustained political security. “Fiscal terms, backstops and guarantees will all matter very much,” said Dan Pickering of Pickering Energy Partners.

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16 hours ago
Crime
News

State Auditor Uncovers MILLIONS in Overpayments by Daycare Oversight Agency.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: An audit of Washington State’s $770 million child care subsidy program uncovered millions of dollars in overpayments, sparking concerns about fraud and accountability.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Representative Emily Randall (D-WA), State Auditor’s Office, Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), independent journalists, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown (D).

📍WHEN & WHERE: The audit covers payments made between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, in Washington State.

🎯IMPACT: The findings have raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and the potential misuse of taxpayer funds in government programs.

IN FULL

Independent journalists and government watchdogs are raising concerns about potential misuse of public funds in Washington State’s $770 million child care subsidy program following findings by the State Auditor’s Office that identified more than $2 million in overpayments. According to the audit, $2,092,513 in improper payments were made across 1,372 cases between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The overpayments were largely tied to missing attendance records and providers billing for more hours or days than children were present.

The program is overseen by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), which has come under increased scrutiny as independent investigators and journalists reported alleged “ghost daycares” and inconsistencies between state records and on-the-ground observations. Critics argue the findings point to weak internal controls and insufficient oversight, particularly given the scale and speed at which funds are distributed.

The Office of Fraud and Accountability reported limited enforcement outcomes during the same period, noting just one criminal conviction related to fraud in fiscal year 2025. The controversy is unfolding amid heightened national attention on childcare fraud. Federal authorities recently halted billions of dollars in funding to several Democratic-led states amid allegations of widespread abuse in childcare subsidy programs.

In Minnesota, the FBI is investigating daycare centers linked to a broader fraud probe, and at least one daycare connected to the scandal has closed following public scrutiny.

Despite the Washington audit findings, Attorney General Nick Brown (D) dismissed claims of widespread fraud, calling the allegations “baseless.” Brown criticized independent journalists investigating the issue, labeling them “vigilantes” and “racist,” and said the fraud claims had been “debunked.” He also argued the controversy was being fueled by national political figures rather than evidence.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (D) echoed that stance, referring to the journalists and activists raising concerns as “extremist influencers.”

The issue escalated further during a congressional hearing when Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA) drew backlash for remarks suggesting taxpayers should pay less attention to fraud allegations and instead focus scrutiny on U.S. citizens, particularly “white men.”

Image by Tiffany Von Arnim.

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16 hours ago
Corruption
News
World

Trump Admin Halts Aid to Somalia Amid Accusations of Theft and Fraud.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. halted food aid to Somalia following reports of theft and destruction of aid resources.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. State Department officials and Somali leaders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on January 8, 2026, concerning Somalia.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance.” – State Department.

🎯IMPACT: Future aid is contingent on Somali government accountability and resolution of the theft issues.

IN FULL

The United States has suspended all assistance to Somalia’s government, the State Department has announced, amid allegations that Somali officials destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Programme warehouse and unlawfully seized 76 metric tons of donor-provided food intended for people in need. “The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the department said in a statement on social media. “Any resumption of assistance will be dependent upon the Somali Federal Government, taking accountability for its unacceptable actions and taking appropriate remedial steps.”

Somali authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations. The aid suspension affects ongoing programs that directly benefit the Somali government; however, the total scope of suspended aid remains unclear amid overall reductions in U.S. foreign aid.

Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has endured decades of civil conflict, recurring droughts, and corrupt, fragile governance, making international support crucial for basic services and humanitarian relief. The warehouse at the Mogadishu port was reportedly demolished without prior coordination with international donors, including the United States.

The decision to halt assistance comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of Somalis in the United States, especially in Minnesota. Federal and state law enforcement agencies have been investigating and prosecuting widespread fraud involving public assistance programs, many of which involved Somalis. Authorities have described sprawling fraud schemes affecting welfare, medical, and housing programs, and pandemic relief funds.

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By Popular Demand.
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17 hours ago
Corruption
News

This Bill Bars Somali Officials From Accessing U.S. Funding.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced a bill aimed at preventing taxpayer funds from being accessed by entities controlled by agents of nations covered by President Donald J. Trump’s travel ban, including Somalia.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Jim Banks, Somali officials, and U.S. taxpayers affected by fraud schemes.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The bill was introduced on Thursday, following revelations of fraud in Minnesota and Ohio.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The Somali fraud scandal has revealed how broken the system is. Foreign officials were able to take advantage of American taxpayers. This bill stops it and puts Americans first.” – Sen. Jim Banks

🎯IMPACT: The bill seeks to block taxpayer funding from being exploited by foreign agents tied to unreliable or hostile governments.

IN FULL

Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) has introduced legislation to prevent foreign officials tied to high-risk countries from exploiting U.S. taxpayer funds, following a series of fraud cases linked to Somali government figures and Somali-run organizations operating in the United States. The proposal, titled the “No Funding for Foreign Agents Act,” would bar entities owned or controlled by agents of countries covered by President Donald J. Trump’s travel ban, including Somalia, from receiving federal grants, contracts, or other forms of taxpayer-funded assistance.

The restrictions would apply to individuals registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), as well as diplomats and lobbyists representing those governments. Banks said the legislation was prompted by revelations that senior Somali officials have held ownership stakes in, or operated, U.S.-based organizations funded by American taxpayers that were later implicated in fraudulent schemes. “The Somali fraud scandal has revealed how broken the system is,” Banks said. “Foreign officials were able to take advantage of American taxpayers. This bill stops it and puts Americans first.”

Federal and state investigations have focused heavily on Minnesota, which hosts the largest Somali community in the U.S. Prosecutors say large-scale fraud has occurred across multiple public assistance programs in the state, and authorities estimate that Somali-linked fraud could exceed $9 billion once all affected programs are fully reviewed. The schemes have involved Medicaid, pandemic-era nutrition programs, and COVID relief loans, among others.

Attorney General Pam Bondi recently confirmed that 85 suspects of Somali descent have been charged in Minnesota fraud cases, with approximately 60 convictions to date. Some of the cases have drawn scrutiny because of alleged connections between U.S.-based organizations and Somali political figures, including Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, who has been linked to entities implicated in fraud.

Banks’s bill was introduced as Vice President J.D. Vance announced the creation of a new Assistant Attorney General position under Bondi to focus specifically on fraud investigations and prosecutions.

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