Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered one of the administration’s clearest and most forceful statements yet regarding the massive $250 million COVID-era welfare fraud scheme uncovered in Minnesota, where more than 70 defendants were charged for embezzling federal child nutrition funds through fake meal programs. Speaking directly to the principle of personal responsibility, Bessent compared basic fraud compliance to the fundamental rules every new immigrant must learn when entering the United States.

“When you come to this country, you gotta learn which side of the road to drive on, you gotta learn to stop at the stop signs, and you gotta learn not to defraud the American people,” Bessent said, underscoring the Trump Administration’s commitment to restoring accountability, enforcing federal law, and defending taxpayer dollars.

The “Feeding Our Future” scandal, first exposed in 2021, involved a sophisticated network of fraudulent nonprofits and companies that claimed to serve millions of child meals during the pandemic. Federal prosecutors say the scheme siphoned off hundreds of millions in nutrition funds and redirected them into luxury cars, overseas properties, and personal bank accounts. While charges have targeted specific individuals—not communities writ large—new investigations launched under the Trump Administration are examining whether any portion of the stolen money was funneled abroad, including potential transfers to Somalia or extremist organizations such as al-Shabaab. Officials emphasize that these remain active inquiries.

Bessent’s remark reflects the administration’s broader message: America welcomes immigrants who respect its laws, uphold its values, and contribute honestly to society. But he made equally clear that those who exploit federal programs, especially during national emergencies, will face decisive federal action.

The Treasury Secretary’s stance aligns with President Trump’s broader anti-fraud crackdown, which prioritizes safeguarding federal funds, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and ensuring that welfare programs reach the American families they were designed to help. The administration argues that schemes of this scale not only betray taxpayers, but also undermine trust in vital child-nutrition programs that millions genuinely depend on.

As more details emerge from the ongoing prosecutions and investigations, Bessent’s message reinforces a core principle of the current administration: in the United States, the rule of law applies to everyone—and defrauding the American people is never tolerated.