❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has launched an investigation into housing policies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, citing concerns over potential violations of federal civil rights law.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: HUD Secretary Scott Turner, Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D).
📍WHEN & WHERE: The investigation was announced this week and focuses on alleged unlawful prioritization of ethnic minorities and foreigners over white people in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Minnesota is ground zero for fraud and corruption because they have chosen to ignore the law to serve a cynical political agenda.” – Scott Turner
🎯IMPACT: The investigation could lead to corrective action or enforcement measures if violations of federal law are found.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has notified the City of Minneapolis that its Office for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) has opened an investigation into the city’s housing policies, citing potential conflicts with federal civil rights laws. According to HUD, the review will examine whether elements of Minneapolis’ long-term housing strategies and equity initiatives violate the Fair Housing Act or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner criticized Minnesota’s political leadership in announcing the investigation, stating, “Minnesota is ground zero for fraud and corruption because they have chosen to ignore the law to serve a cynical political agenda. This undermines our American values, united by a common heritage, language, and commitment to equal treatment under law.” Turner said HUD will not permit housing programs that rely on racial or ethnic preferences and added, “As HUD Secretary, I will continue to deliver on President Trump’s promise to provide affordable housing for American families.”
Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Craig Trainor said the agency is examining whether Minneapolis housing assistance improperly prioritizes race or national origin over financial need. He alleged that policies advanced under state Governor Tim Walz (D) and city Mayor Jacob Frey (D) raise serious legal concerns.
Trainor remarked, “Under the feckless leadership of Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota has become a Third World failed state, where criminals engage in massive, unchecked fraud and decent Minnesotans are held captive to the riotous impulses of left-wing cultural arsonists.”
HUD’s notice references several city planning documents, including the “Minneapolis 2040” comprehensive plan. That plan includes commitments to prioritize housing investments in designated “cultural districts” and to advance so-called racial equity goals by focusing resources on black, indigenous, people of color, and immigrant communities. Federal officials said the investigation will determine whether these provisions amount to unlawful racial or ethnic preferences.
The investigation marks the start of a formal review and does not represent a final determination. HUD said enforcement actions or corrective measures could follow if violations are found.
The inquiry comes amid broader federal scrutiny of Minnesota. Recent federal reviews have identified extensive fraud concerns, including improper distribution of housing and welfare funds, payments made to deceased recipients, and large-scale financial crimes investigations. The Trump administration has also halted federal loans to thousands of Minnesota borrowers over suspected fraud and expanded financial crimes enforcement targeting the state.
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