Hawley Accuses Minnesota AG Ellison of Fraud in Heated Senate Hearing

Heated Senate Exchange

• 🎯 During a Senate hearing, Senator Josh Hawley questioned Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison regarding his conduct.
• 💬 Hawley initiated the exchange by pressing Ellison to confirm his role as chief law enforcement officer of Minnesota, which Ellison initially resisted.

Allegations of Fraud Involvement

• ⚠️ Hawley accused Ellison of being familiar with $9 billion in historic fraud in Minnesota, specifically mentioning $250 million from the Feeding Our Future program.
• 🔑 He alleged that Ellison met with representatives of the Feeding Our Future program on December 11, 2021, and pledged assistance to stop investigators, claiming this was caught on tape.
• 💬 Ellison denied helping them, stating Hawley was "cherry-picking quotes" and that he did not assist the alleged fraudsters.

Campaign Contributions & Whistleblowers

• 💰 Hawley further claimed Ellison received a $10,000 campaign contribution nine days after the alleged meeting from individuals who were later indicted.
• 🚫 Ellison denied taking their money, calling Hawley's statement false.
• 🔍 Hawley also asserted that Ellison's office ignored whistleblower allegations regarding the fraud as early as 2019, despite reports in the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Accusations and Demands

• 🔥 The exchange escalated with Hawley stating Ellison should be called a "prisoner" and ought to be in jail, and later demanding his resignation.
• 🎭 Ellison retorted, saying he was "thinking the same thing" about Hawley's resignation.
• 💡 Hawley concluded by suggesting Ellison should be ashamed for misrepresentation and that the truth of his actions was now exposed.