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Ex-DOJ Counsel Exposes $246M Fraud in Minnesota Social Services

1/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brendan Ballou, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) special counsel, testified before Congress about widespread fraud in Minnesota's social services.
He noted the indictment of 78 individuals tied to a scheme that misappropriated $246 million intended for children during the pandemic.
Ballou criticized the administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump for dismantling key DOJ fraud-investigation infrastructure, saying this enabled abuses and eroded trust in social safety programs.

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Story summary

Brendan Ballou, a former Department of Justice (DOJ) special counsel, testified before Congress about widespread fraud in Minnesota's social services.
He noted the indictment of 78 individuals tied to a scheme that misappropriated $246 million intended for children during the pandemic.
Ballou criticized the administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump for dismantling key DOJ fraud-investigation infrastructure, saying this enabled abuses and eroded trust in social safety programs.