Ruthless Podcast

Episode: Massive Democrat Fraud Exposed + Rep. Ashley Hinson

Date: December 2, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
Guest: Rep. Ashley Hinson

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the recent exposure of large-scale welfare fraud in Minnesota, centering on the Feeding Our Future scandal, which led to the theft of hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars—and broader implications for political corruption, the vulnerabilities in American governance, media coverage, and the Democratic Party’s relationship with identity politics. The discussion includes spirited commentary on accountability, the reaction from Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, and societal changes in the Midwest. Later, the team interviews Congresswoman and Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, showcasing her policy priorities, personality, and musical talents.

Main Theme

Exposing Massive Welfare Fraud in Minnesota:

• The podcast dissects the Feeding Our Future fraud, its political implications, and how it was enabled by both state and federal failures—tying the scandal to broader criticisms of Democratic governance, identity politics, and the media's handling of corruption.
• The episode also features a detailed interview with Rep. Ashley Hinson, highlighting her legislative work, community connections, and even her surprise musical abilities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal: Scope and Political Context

Introduction to the Scandal

• [02:52–05:17] The hosts discuss pride in their home states, but Holmes admits Minnesota’s recent troubles—including the massive fraud uncovered within the state’s social services.
  • Quote (Holmes, 02:57): “It is a lean time in the land of 10,000 lakes... what they're doing in Minnesota... is the impetus for change because I don't think you can ignore this.”

Details from the New York Times & Scale of the Fraud

• [06:16–12:18] The New York Times’ rare critical coverage of Democrat Gov. Tim Walz’s administration is unpacked.
• Prosecutors have charged 59 people (primarily from the Somali diaspora) in schemes that netted over $1 billion from programs meant to feed children during the pandemic.
  • Quote (Reading NYT): “Federal prosecutors charged dozens of people with felonies, accusing them of stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from a government program meant to keep children fed during the COVID 19 pandemic.” (Holmes, 10:28)
• Reaction (Ashbrook, 10:40): “The Grinch would be like, this is a bit much, gentlemen.”

Corruption, Accountability, and Political Incentives

• [19:09–21:11] The hosts delve into state agency complicity and the perception that authorities knew about, tolerated, or tacitly encouraged fraud for political gain.
  • Quote (Holmes, 19:42): “The people who are giving them the money know damn well what [is happening].”
  • Quote (Ashbrook, 20:40): “Perhaps the most critical part... Democrats perhaps knew about this and engaged with it because they felt it helps get them elected and that this is a constituency that they should appeal to. And it's just like they saw taxpayers being robbed as business as usual for them.”

2. Identity Politics, Media Response, and Special Vulnerabilities

Weaponization of Racism Accusations and NGO Tactics

• [26:22–31:51] The Feeding Our Future group threatened state officials with race-based lawsuits if they didn’t approve more minority-led applicants—a tactic the hosts equate to mafia racketeering.
  • Quote (Holmes, reading, 26:22): "Failing to promptly approve new applicants from 'minority owned businesses' would result in a lawsuit with accusations of racism..."
  • Quote (Ashbrook, 26:22): “That is the most cynical shit I have heard in a long time. The left has essentially weaponized accusations of racism to the point that it means nothing.”

Why Minnesota Was Especially Susceptible

• [27:25–29:37] Holmes explains Minnesota’s mainly white, post-racial self-concept made its institutions especially vulnerable to these tactics—residents are deeply averse to accusations of racism, which political actors exploit.
  • Quote (Holmes, 27:25): “I grew up in a post-racial society in Minnesota... They hate [accusations of racism]... The mere threat... is enough for them to take the eye off the ball.”

Nonpartisan Oversight, Political Block-Building, and Importation of Corruption

• [30:04–34:25] Reports showed state officials refrained from oversight to avoid “negative press.” Somali-American whistleblowers noted a reluctance to act against fraud in a key Democrat voting bloc.
  • Quote (Holmes, 31:10): “There’s a perception that forcefully tackling this issue might cause political backlash among the Somali community, which is a core voting bloc for Democrats.”
  • Quote (Michael Duncan, 32:47): “...we’ve now imported these people into our country and they’ve brought the same corrupt politics that ruined their homeland to our shores.”

3. Impact, National Consequences, and Broader Political Implications

Money Flowing to Terrorist Groups

• [38:21–41:24] Minnesota tax money, through remittance networks, likely ended up funding Al Shabaab in Somalia—a Sunni Islamist group linked to al Qaeda.
  • Quote (Holmes, 38:45): “Minnesota’s tax money almost certainly ends up in the hands of Somali terror group Al Shabaab.”
  • Quote (Michael Duncan, 39:20): “You thought you were feeding kids and you were buying Toyota Hiluxes for a bunch of terrorists.”

Effect on State and National Politics

• [42:02–44:36] The hosts lament Minnesota’s political transformation and the inability of the state’s electorate to respond adequately to such a scandal; they analogize the Democratic Party to a coast-to-coast Tammany Hall, focused solely on transactional politics.
  • Quote (Holmes, 42:47): “The Minnesota that I grew up with is gone. This shit would never fly.”
  • Quote (Ashbrook, 44:08): “The Democrat Party is now essentially just Tammany Hall coast to coast... it's all based on who's paying who. Give me my share.”

Challenge for the GOP and the 2026 Elections

• [44:36–46:41] Holmes and Ashbrook argue that GOP messaging must move Minnesotans past social issues like abortion to focus on bread-and-butter corruption and security—suggesting recent Republican wins may not be enough unless these persuasion challenges are overcome.

4. Memorable & Notable Quotes

• “[On the fraud] That's more than Minnesota spends annually to run its Department of Corrections.” (Holmes, 12:18)
• “To demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it's lazy.” (Gov. Tim Walz responding to the fraud, 22:09)
• “Where's the billion dollars, Tim Walls?... It’s in f***ing Mogadishu because you didn’t do a goddamn thing to stop it.” (Holmes, 22:46)
• “That is... a shakedown racket.” (Holmes, 30:24)
• “They have created a voting bloc of people who are downstream of Black Hawk Down.” (Holmes, 32:29)
• “They believe in nothing but the money. When the wire hits, that's what they believe in.” (Ashbrook & Holmes, 44:45)

5. Guest Segment: Rep. Ashley Hinson (Interview)

Background & Personality

• [67:01–68:39] Hinson shares stories about raising two boys, surviving a snowy Iowa Thanksgiving, and laughs about Iowa “training” for Congress.
• [69:40–70:25] Discusses California’s “foreign exchange” of Iowa politicians Swalwell and Porter.

Education and Parental Rights

• [70:53–72:36] Hinson recounts parental activism against gender and sexuality policy in her kids' schools, highlighting bipartisan parent opposition and the principle that “schools should be educating, not indoctrinating our kids.”

Public Service, Bipartisanship, and “Mom on a Mission”

• [74:29–75:48] Hinson explains her approach: competitive elections, coalition-building, and legislation that supports moms, students, and bipartisanship—especially on issues like affordable education and China policy.

Immigration and Public Safety

• [76:58–78:49] Emphasizes safety, support for law enforcement/ICE, and balancing Iowa’s unique immigration-related needs. Cites a local case where ICE enforcement was critical.

Economic Policy & Trade

• [79:31–84:28] Hinson touts trade deal progress under the current (fictional) President, advocates energy policy reform to lower consumer costs, and describes her approach to tariffs—with a focus on results for Iowa farmers and U.S. competitiveness.

Personal Touch: The Musician-Politician

• [85:22–87:18, 88:00–89:06] The hosts discover Hinson is a skilled violinist/fiddle player who jams with her family at holidays and even gives live performances of “Jingle Bells” and fiddle tunes on air.
  • Quote (Hinson, 88:42): “It is great. It’s fun. And then I can serenade people.”

6. Lighter Segments

Comment Reviews & Listener Questions:

• [48:42–50:33] Hosts review humorous listener suggestions for dealing with liberal relatives at Thanksgiving, showcasing the show’s irreverent tone.
• Quote (Michael Duncan, 49:15): “They compress the best of the best...super cuts [of MSNBC meltdown videos].”

Tennessee Special Election

• [51:07–58:29] Quick analysis of the TN special election, warning of Democratic advances in deep-red districts, and mocking the left-wing Democratic nominee Aftyn Behn’s anti-Nashville-tourism comments.
  • Quote (Afton Behn, 55:56): “I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music...”

Comedy & Variety

• [58:37–66:13] Bear-on-a-powerline video: banter about handling wildlife; “Guido on a Ledge” holiday jokes; running gags about Italian stereotypes.
• [66:13–67:01] Transition to the Ashley Hinson interview.

Notable Moments and Quotes with Timestamps

• On the scale of fraud:
  • “Federal prosecutors say that 59 people...have been convicted...more than $1 billion...has been stolen in three plots they’re investigating.” (12:18)
• On Democratic response:
  • “To demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it's lazy.” — Gov. Tim Walz (22:09)
  • “You are a f***ing piece of shit.” — Josh Holmes reacting to Walz (22:11)
• On race and shakedown tactics:
  • “If you don't let us, we're going to call you racist in the paper.” (26:22–27:25)
  • “That is, ladies and gentlemen, a shakedown racket.” (30:24)
• Whistleblower on Democrat priorities:
  • “There’s a perception that tackling this issue might cause political backlash among the Somali community, which is a core voting bloc for Democrats.” (31:10)
• Money to terrorism:
  • “A decent amount of Minnesota's tax money almost certainly ended up in Al Shabab.” (41:24)
• On wider meaning:
  • "The Democrat Party is now essentially just Tammany Hall coast to coast. It's a money [game]...who's paying who." (44:08)
• Ashley Hinson live music:
  • Performs “Jingle Bells” on violin/fiddle (86:45–87:18 & 88:00–88:19)

Guest Interview: Rep. Ashley Hinson [67:01–94:19]

Key Points:

• Background as a working mom, experience with activist school policies
• Emphasizes coalition-building and bipartisan solutions
• Focuses on affordability, energy, and trade for Iowa constituents
• Legislative priorities: parental rights, public safety, trade, and economic opportunity
• Demonstrates personal connection through accessible, constituent-first campaigning
• Showcases fiddle/violin skills (music segment)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:52] – Minnesota’s troubles and fraud intro
• [10:28] – New York Times article on fraud, breakdown of the Feeding Our Future scheme
• [20:17] – Discussion of state agency complicity & defense strategies
• [22:09–22:41] – Gov. Walz’s response to the scandal (audio clip and hosts’ reaction)
• [26:22] – Exposé of race-based legal threats by NGOs
• [38:45] – Discussion of fraud money funding Al Shabaab terrorism
• [55:56–56:34] – Audio of TN special election Dem candidate’s anti-Nashville comments
• [67:01–94:19] – In-depth interview with Ashley Hinson, including her musical performance

Conclusion / Takeaways

• The Feeding Our Future scandal in Minnesota is, for the hosts, emblematic of deeper systemic problems with modern Democratic Party governance, especially where identity politics and lack of meaningful oversight intersect.
• The episode offers a mix of serious investigative critique, dark humor, and lighter elements such as listener mail and a live violin performance from Ashley Hinson.
• The hosts challenge listeners (especially from Minnesota) to hold state politicians accountable and warn about the national consequences of local corruption.
• The guest segment with Ashley Hinson underlines the value of authenticity, direct engagement with voters, and traditional American values in contemporary politics.

For First-Time Listeners

This summary covers all major themes, arguments, and lighter moments from the episode, and features direct quotes and timestamps for easy navigation. For those interested in:

• Scandal breakdowns and political analysis → [02:52–46:41]
• Lighter banter, listener feedback, and variety clips → [48:42–66:13]
• In-depth, positive political candidate interview → [67:01–94:19]

Memorable Quote:
“You are Mogadishu, Minnesota. My people, it’s gone. You have turned into Mogadishu.” — Josh Holmes (46:37)

End of Summary