Media complicity is drawing renewed scrutiny in Minnesota as federal prosecutors warn the state’s expanding fraud crisis could ultimately cost taxpayers up to $9 billion, reigniting criticism that local news outlets failed to hold powerful officials accountable for years.
At a recent press conference, federal authorities revealed the potential scope of the fraud, prompting conservatives to revisit past coverage by major Minnesota media organizations. Critics argue that concerns over political optics and accusations of bias muted aggressive reporting while massive taxpayer losses mounted.
“In newsrooms, they’re told, ‘We can’t run that because we’re going to be accused of being racist,’” Townhall columnist Dustin Grage told Fox News Digital, describing internal resistance to reporting on fraud occurring largely within Minnesota’s Somali community.
The Minnesota Star Tribune, the state’s largest newspaper, has faced pointed backlash over headlines that critics say downplayed the issue. New York Post columnist Miranda Devine wrote, “The Minnesota Star Tribune masquerades as a newspaper. It’s actually a Democrat front, hiding news, twisting facts, lying outright.”
Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer was even more blunt. “The Minnesota Star Tribune has proven itself to be nothing more than communist fish wrap,” he told Fox News Digital, adding, “They’ve shown their true colors throughout their sorry coverage of the massive fraud in my home state.”
Grage argued that fear has reshaped coverage decisions. “People are afraid of being called a racist,” he said, calling the situation emblematic of “complicit media that carries water for Democrats.”
The Star Tribune rejected those claims, stating, “The notion that the Minnesota Star Tribune is downplaying the fraud crisis is contradicted by simple a Google search,” and asserting it has produced extensive investigative reporting.
As the estimated losses climb, the debate over media complicity and accountability in Minnesota’s press corps shows no sign of fading.
