Minnesota’s hijab stunt took center stage this week as Lt. Gov. and U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan appeared on Somali television wearing a hijab while visiting a Somali mall. The hijab stunt unfolded as Minnesota continues to grapple with one of the largest pandemic fraud cases in U.S. history, a scandal that has drawn federal charges, congressional scrutiny, and growing public concern.
During the appearance, Flanagan told viewers, “The Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota.” The Democratic candidate, who has said she is Catholic and grounds her immigration views in her faith, wore the hijab as a gesture toward Muslim voters. For Muslim women, wearing a hijab is traditionally a sign of obedience to God and modesty.
Flanagan is competing in a Democratic primary to replace outgoing Sen. Tina Smith. Her campaign has drawn attention before, including a viral August video in which she wore a “Protect Trans Kids” shirt with a knife graphic and said, “When our children tell us who they are, it’s our job as grown-ups to listen and believe them.”
Republicans criticized the hijab stunt as political theater. House Republican Whip Tom Emmer said, “Anyone with common sense sees right through this stunt.”
The timing coincides with fallout from the Feeding Our Future investigation. Federal prosecutors say $250 million in fraudulent claims are tied to a broader $9 billion scheme, with 78 people charged. Many defendants come from Minnesota’s Somali community.
Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged problems, saying, “The programs are set up to move the money to people,” adding that criminals exploited loopholes. House Oversight Chairman James Comer said, “This massive amount of fraud is affecting and impacting every citizen of Minnesota.”
President Trump responded by ending deportation protections for Somali nationals, writing, “Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!”
