“YOU helped fraudsters defraud the state of $9B, and you got a FAT campaign contribution out of it! You ought to be INDICTED!” says Sen. Josh Hawley
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is amplifying renewed allegations against Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison after reposting a viral claim calling for Ellison’s “criminal indictment” over his past contact with people later linked to the Feeding Our Future fraud case.
Hawley reposted a post from influencer “Gunther Eagleman” that accused Ellison of helping “fraudsters dodge investigators” and accepting $10,000 in campaign contributions shortly afterward, describing the alleged evidence as “ALL ON TAPE.” The repost also included a profane admonition directed at Ellison and urged: “Indict him NOW.” (The repost’s claim that the fraud involved “$9 billion” is not consistent with federal case descriptions of Feeding Our Future, which prosecutors have characterized as a roughly $250 million scheme.)
🚨 BREAKING: Sen. Josh Hawley just pushed for a CRIMINAL INDICTMENT against Minnesota AG Keith Ellison because he tried HELPING fraudster avoid being caught
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 12, 2026
"You took $10,000 from them 9 days after the meeting!"
"YOU helped fraudsters defraud the state of $9B, and you got a FAT… pic.twitter.com/nOgUyar3P8
The Feeding Our Future case centers on allegations that defendants exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, with dozens charged and multiple convictions and guilty pleas already recorded in federal court. Federal prosecutors and investigators have repeatedly described it as the largest COVID-era fraud case in Minnesota tied to food aid, involving fabricated meal counts and invoices, money laundering and other alleged misconduct.
Ellison has faced political scrutiny over a December 2021 meeting with a group of individuals who said they were concerned about state investigators and enforcement actions. Local reporting has described leaked audio from that meeting as prompting calls for further investigation from Republican lawmakers, while Ellison has argued the meeting did not amount to support for wrongdoing and has said his office has pursued fraud cases and supported accountability measures.
The controversy has also intersected with broader congressional and political attention on Minnesota fraud oversight. In late 2025, the U.S. House Oversight Committee sent Ellison a letter raising concerns about fraud in Minnesota programs and requesting information as part of a wider inquiry.
Hawley’s repost comes as he has highlighted Minnesota-focused fraud issues in his committee work and public comments. A recent report previewing a Senate hearing chaired by Hawley described testimony expected to focus on fraud and oversight questions involving Minnesota officials, including Ellison and Gov. Tim Walz.
As the online dispute grows, the underlying legal case continues in federal court, where prosecutors have said the Feeding Our Future scheme diverted money intended to feed children in need. Additional defendants have continued to be charged over time, underscoring the scope of the investigation.
