Vance announces pause in Medicaid funds to Minnesota

LocalPolitics
26 Feb 2026 • 8:40 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • The White House is withholding $250m in Medicaid funds from Minnesota, demanding "corrective actions" to address alleged widespread fraud within the state's program
  • Vice President JD Vance stated the action is necessary to ensure Minnesota takes seriously whether Medicaid providers are actually delivering services.
  • The decision follows right-wing media claims and previous federal charges against a Minnesota non-profit, Feeding Our Future, for $250m in Covid-19 aid fraud.
  • Federal prosecutors have also alleged that at least half more of the roughly $18 bn in federal funds for 14 Minnesota programs since 2018 may have been stolen.
  • President Donald Trump has capitalized on these fraud accusations to target Minnesota's Somali-American community and the state's Democratic leadership, making disparaging remarks.

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