A shadow of suspicion is falling over Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, as a massive fraud scandal involving misused pandemic funds ignites scrutiny of his long-standing connections to progressive causes. For years, Ellison, a veteran of both Congress and the Attorney General’s office, has faced criticism for aligning his priorities with the left, particularly in areas like climate change and immigration. Now, a federal investigation into the alleged theft of funds intended for feeding children has brought those past associations into sharp relief.
The scandal centers around Feeding Our Future, an organization prosecutors claim orchestrated a scheme to divert hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money. The scale of the alleged fraud is staggering, and investigators believe it may be just the tip of the iceberg. Ellison publicly condemned the fraud as “a truly despicable act,” but the timing of a 2021 meeting with community figures linked to Feeding Our Future is now under intense examination.
Audio recordings of that meeting, recently resurfaced, reveal a discussion that quickly shifted from securing funding to strategizing political donations. One attendee openly discussed the need to “insert ourselves into the political arena” and direct funds towards candidates who would “protect our interests.” Ellison’s response – a simple affirmation – has fueled accusations of impropriety, despite his insistence that he was unaware of any wrongdoing at the time.
A convicted participant in the fraud scheme has even alleged that both Governor Tim Walz and Ellison were aware of the widespread abuse of funds before it became public. Ellison vehemently denies these claims, dismissing the accuser as a “liar, fraudster, and manipulator.” His office maintains that the investigation thoroughly exonerated him of any involvement.
Beyond the immediate fraud case, Ellison’s commitment to a progressive climate agenda is also drawing renewed attention. He has aggressively pursued legal action against oil companies, accusing them of decades of deception and delaying efforts to combat climate change. These lawsuits, he argues, are essential to preserving a “livable world” for future generations.
Republicans have long questioned Ellison’s close ties to environmental groups, particularly his relationship with the law firm Sher Edling. In 2020, Ellison sought to bring Sher Edling on as outside counsel in a consumer-protection lawsuit against ExxonMobil, a firm known for leading climate litigation against energy companies. This move raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Further complicating the picture is Ellison’s participation in a program funded by billionaire Michael Bloomberg, which places climate fellows within state attorneys general offices. Critics argue this arrangement allows outside interests to unduly influence legal decisions. A recent investigation by a House Oversight Committee raised ethical concerns about the program’s potential to compromise independence.
Lawmakers have specifically questioned why Ellison’s office retained Sher Edling while simultaneously employing fellows through the Bloomberg-backed program, suggesting a potential redundancy and raising questions about the allocation of resources. Ellison defended the arrangement, stating that both outside counsel and fellows were necessary to handle the complexity of the climate litigation.
He asserted that Sher Edling was brought on board to bolster his office’s capacity, given the extensive legal representation assembled by the defendants. He maintained that his office acted transparently and within the law, prioritizing the pursuit of justice against what he views as a deceptive fossil fuel industry. The unfolding situation promises continued scrutiny and debate.
