Trump administration suspends $129m in benefit payments to Minnesota

"Rollins asked Walz and Frey to provide the USDA with justification for all federal spending from 20 January 2025 to the present within 30 days. She is also requiring that all federal payments to the state moving forward require the same justification. We're communicating with state partners to understand the impacts of such a blanket cut to funding meant for residents most in need, Brian Feintech, a spokesperson for the city of Minneapolis, told the Guardian in a written statement in response to Rollins' letter."

"What's abundantly clear is that Minneapolis is the latest target of the Trump administration willing to harm Americans in service to its perceived political gain. The Guardian has contacted Walz's office for comment. Minnesota's attorney general, Keith Ellison, publicly responded to Rollins' post, writing on X: I will not allow you to take from Minnesotans in need. I'll see you in court."

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins suspended $129 million in federal benefit payments to Minnesota, citing investigations into alleged fraud by local nonprofits and businesses. Rollins demanded Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey justify all federal spending from 20 January 2025 to the present within 30 days and required the same justification for future federal payments. Minneapolis officials said they are assessing the impacts and called the move political targeting that harms residents in need. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison vowed legal action, stating he will not allow funds to be taken and will see the administration in court. The announcement coincided with a federal ruling blocking similar withholding of childcare and other funds to five Democratic-led states, including Minnesota.

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