The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Walz attempts to use Trump MRI to dance away from Minnesota Fraud Allegations
Date: December 6, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on explosive fraud allegations in Minnesota’s state government and the scandal’s political fallout, spotlighting Governor Tim Walz’s response. Ben Ferguson breaks down whistleblower claims that Walz knew about massive Medicaid fraud funding terrorist organizations while allegedly retaliating against those who tried to stop it. The show analyzes Walz’s public denial and attempts to shift blame, highlighting national political implications and media reactions, especially as President Trump’s administration launches an investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Massive Medicaid Fraud Scandal in Minnesota

• [03:34] Ben Ferguson highlights serious accusations: Over 400 Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services employees have come forward as whistleblowers, alleging that Governor Tim Walz was aware of large-scale fraud involving hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.
  • Funds were allegedly funneled through Medicaid autism care programs to terrorist group Al Shabaab.
  • Whistleblowers claim they warned Walz early but faced retaliation rather than support.

Quote:
"Tim Walz is 100% responsible for massive fraud in Minnesota. We let Tim Walz know of fraud early on, hoping for a partnership in stopping fraud. But no, we got the opposite response. Governor Walz systematically retaliated against the whistleblowers..."
— Ferguson reading whistleblower statement [05:50]

• Whistleblowers accuse Walz of disabling oversight by the Office of Legislative Auditor and facing little scrutiny from the mainstream media.

2. National Media Coverage & Evidence of Fraud

• Major outlets, including the New York Times, are now reporting on the breadth of the fraud.

  • Prosecutors reportedly tied members of Minnesota’s Somali diaspora to the crimes.
  • Reference to a NYT quote:

    "No one was doing anything about the red flags. It was like someone was stealing money from the cookie jar and they kept refilling it."
    — Cited by Ben Ferguson [07:50]

• Breitbart News coverage expanded the story, revealing nearly 100 autism clinics investigated for fraudulent billing—much of it connected to the Somali community around Minneapolis.

3. Political Motivations & Alleged Retaliation

• Ferguson suggests Walz and state Democrats “need the Somali votes,” implying political incentives for inaction.
  • House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has called for further investigation into state funds sent to Al Shabaab.
• The Minnesota DHS (via social media) further criticizes Walz for lacking accountability and integrity.

4. Governor Tim Walz’s Public Response

• [10:01] Excerpt from Walz’s interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.
  • Walz denies blanket responsibility but takes “responsibility for putting people in jail.”
  • Emphasizes Minnesota’s strong record, the risks that prosperity attracts crime, and the importance of not demonizing entire communities.
  • Blames the Trump administration for cutting inspector general positions and enforcement programs.
  • Rejects connecting the fraud to the Somali community as a whole.

Notable Quote:
"To demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it’s lazy... If you’re committing crimes, you’re going to prison. That is totally disconnected with demonizing an entire group of people who came here fleeing civil war and created a vibrant community that makes Minnesota and this country better."
— Gov. Tim Walz [10:32–11:44]

5. Ben Ferguson’s Commentary & Critique

• Ferguson critiques both Walz and the interviewer for “softball” questions and no interruptions, letting Walz “put out the lies and the propaganda.”
  • Argues the governor allowed the money to flow and targeted whistleblowers, “because he needs the Somali votes.”
• Points out the unusually high number of autism diagnoses as a red flag known within the community and political circles.
  • Asserts, “Democratic Party has sold their soul to the Somali voting block in Minnesota.”
• Ties the controversy to national security, questioning if there will be accountability for the governor and others.

Quote:
"Here we are, Democrats saying, hey, we actually think somehow you’re a bad person, Mr. President, you’re unhinged, we demand your MRI. That’s their response to corruption and fraud in Minnesota."
— Ben Ferguson [13:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Whistleblower Critique:
  "In addition to retaliating against whistleblowers, Tim Walz disempowered the Office of Legislative Auditor, allowing agencies to disregard their audit findings and their guidance."
  [06:50]

• Media Coverage Comparison:
  "The New York Times even has a headline now that says, how fraud swamped Minnesota’s social services system. On Tim Walz’s watch, prosecutors say members of the Somali diaspora, a group with growing political power, were largely responsible."
  [07:33]

• Ferguson on Media Treatment:
  "She didn’t interrupt him one time. She let him put out the lies and the propaganda... What’s scary is that guy was very close to becoming the vice president, United States of America."
  [11:49–12:51]

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:34] — Ben Ferguson begins detailed breakdown of the Minnesota fraud case.
• [05:34] — Reading of whistleblower statement alleging retaliation by Governor Walz.
• [07:33] — Discussion of media coverage, NYT and Breitbart revelations.
• [10:01] — NBC’s Meet the Press interview excerpt with Governor Walz.
• [11:49] — Ferguson’s critical analysis of both the interview and the political motives.
• [13:27] — Ferguson summarizes the political implications and unanswered questions on accountability.

Conclusion

Ben Ferguson positions this episode as an exposé on what he alleges is the largest case of state-level fraud in Minnesota’s history. The episode carefully delineates whistleblower accusations, reviews Walz’s defensive media appearances, and strongly critiques both the governor’s handling and the media’s coverage of the scandal. Ferguson suggests that the scandal’s entanglement of politics, immigration, and accountability reaches both state and national significance—with a promise to keep listeners updated as Trump’s administration investigates further.