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Dr. Oz warns Walz to address alleged Somali Medicaid fraud or lose federal funding: ‘We’ll stop paying’
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on Friday warned Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz that the state could lose federal Medicaid funding unless it restores «the integrity» of its program.
In a post on X, Oz claimed that more than $1 billion had been stolen through a massive Medicaid fraud scheme carried out by «bad actors» within Minnesota’s Somali community, alleging that some of the funds «may have even made its way to the Somalian terrorist group Al-Shebab.»
«Our staff at CMS told me they’ve never seen anything like this in Medicaid — and everyone from Gov. Tim Walz on down needs to be investigated, because they’ve been asleep at the wheel,» Oz said.
COMER TARGETS WALZ IN NEW HOUSE INVESTIGATION, CITING NEARLY $1B IN ALLEGED MINNESOTA FRAUD
Oz claimed that more than $1 billion was stolen through a massive Medicaid fraud scheme carried out by «bad actors» within Minnesota’s Somali community. (@DrOzCMS via X)
Oz demanded Walz take the following corrective measures within 60 days:
- Send weekly updates on anti-fraud efforts to CMS
- Freeze enrollment of high-risk providers for six months
- Verify all current providers as «legitimate» or remove them
- Send CMS a corrective action plan to prevent fraud in the future
«If we’re unsatisfied with the state’s plans or cooperation, we’ll stop paying the federal share of these programs,» Oz warned.
The CMS administrator pointed to two Minnesota Medicaid programs launched in recent years, noting dramatic spikes in costs.
The «Housing Stabilization Services» program, projected at $2.6 million annually, paid out over $100 million in 2024, according to Oz.
The «Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention» program grew from $3 million in 2018 to nearly $400 million in 2023, he said.
WALZ ‘DERELICT LEADERSHIP’ TO BLAME IN $1B FRAUD SCANDAL WITH ‘HAUNTING REMINDS OF WATERGATE’: GOP CHALLENGER
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is demanding Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz address an alleged Medicare fraud scheme carried out by «bad actors» within the state’s Somali community. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
«These scammers used stolen taxpayer money to buy flashy cars, purchase overseas real estate, and offer kickbacks to parents who enrolled their kids at fake autism treatment centers,» Oz said. «Some of it may have even made its way to the Somalian terrorist group Al-Shebab. … «So why didn’t Walz stop them? That’s simple: because he went all-in on identity politics.»
Minnesota officials previously reported the problem to CMS but failed to address it effectively, according to Oz.
«We stepped in and shut down the worst program: housing. We also froze provider enrollment in a few of the most abused programs,» Oz said.
PHOTOS EMERGE OF SOMALI ILLEGAL’S TIES TO TOP MINNESOTA DEMS AFTER ICE ARREST
President Donald Trump recently announced a flurry of actions to investigate alleged fraud schemes in Minnesota. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)
Oz added, «The message to Walz is clear: either fix this in 60 days or start looking under your couch for spare change, because we’re done footing the bill for your incompetence.»
The move comes as President Donald Trump recently announced a flurry of actions to crack down and investigate fraud schemes in Minnesota, which he has assailed as a «hub of money laundering activity,» and cited as the basis of his decision to terminate deportation protections for hundreds of Somali migrants.
This past week, senior Trump administration officials announced fresh investigations, including a new Treasury Department probe into how taxpayer dollars were allegedly diverted to the terrorist organization al-Shabaab, according to Secretary Scott Bessent.
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Walz’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.
minnesota,politics,mehmet mz,tim walz,immigration,crime world
INTERNACIONAL
Concerns rise over DHS shutdown in shadow of Iran strikes: ‘Now would be a good time’ to end it
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The partial government shutdown has Department of Homeland Security employees missing their paychecks even as the U.S. has engaged Iran with airstrikes that have brought the nation to the brink of war.
Earlier Saturday, the U.S. and Israel commenced targeted Iranian positions including the palace of dictator Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei – who was later declared dead by Jerusalem officials. The strikes have prompted concerns of retaliation, possibly inside U.S. borders.
«I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland,» DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.
As Friday rolled into Saturday, Transportation Safety Administration officers began effectively working pro bono, with the agency calling them «true models of selflessness and sacrifice.»
«Right now, the men and women of TSA are showing up to work without a paycheck due to the reckless DHS shutdown — despite the fact that Democrat members of Congress are still getting paid,» the agency said in a statement, calling out Democrats’ «political theater making life harder for these officers and their families.»
Lawmakers took notice of the disparity on Saturday as eyes turned to the security of America’s homeland amid Iran’s pledge to strike back.
«Given developments in the Middle East and the ongoing threat posed by Iran and its terrorist proxies, Democrats in the house, and Senate must cease the politics and must immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security,» said Rep. Daniel Meuser, R-Pa.
The Blue Mountain congressman – whose district is home to the agency’s latest immigration center purchase in Shartlesville, which is simultaneously being lambasted by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro – added that blocking DHS funding is «irresponsible and dangerous» amid the rising global tension.
«Democrats in Congress must join Republicans, act responsibly and stop blocking efforts to fund DHS,» said Meuser.
Meuser added that protecting American people is a fundamental federal responsibility and that the U.S. cannot afford national security-related delays.
DHS SHUTDOWN TRIGGERS TSA ‘EMERGENCY MEASURES’ AS LAWMAKER WARNS AIRPORTS COULD FEEL ECONOMIC PAIN
His Keystone compatriot Sen. David McCormick echoed that sentiment in a Saturday statement:
«Now would be a good time for Democrats to drop their opposition to DHS funding and pass the bill to support our homeland security,» McCormick said.
«Continuing to play political games with our national security given the unfolding situation in the Middle East is dangerous.»
While many Democrats voiced concern or opposition to the Trump administration’s strikes, McCormick’s counterpart, Sen. John Fetterman, ridiculed critics on X – retweeting an alert that Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei had been killed, writing: «Let’s see who grieves for that garbage.»
The top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, however, did criticize the operation.
Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi told NOTUS News on Saturday that Trump’s attack lacks «a clear strategy» while saying the U.S. is «vulnerable to ensuing terrorism attacks today because of Trump’s reckless, inflammatory actions.»
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Iranian worshippers hold up their hands as signs of unity with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during an anti-Israeli rally to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran, in downtown Tehran, Iran, on June 20, 2025. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
«I am deeply concerned about the administration’s attention to possible threats and its ability to protect Americans,» he added.
Just prior to the strikes, the Senate and House Democratic leaders released a joint statement addressing the DHS shutdown’s current conditions.
«We have received the White House’s counteroffer and are reviewing it closely. Democrats remain committed to keep fighting for real reforms to rein in ICE and stop the violence,» said New York Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
Fox News Digital reached out to DHS for additional comment.
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war with iran,iran,donald trump,immigration,homeland security,republicans
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In coordinated, sweeping U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran in the predawn hours of Saturday, key military and nuclear-linked sites were targeted inside the country.
The strikes focused on what U.S. officials described as high-value Iranian targets, which included Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command and control facilities, naval assets and underground sites believed to be associated with Iran’s nuclear program.
In addition, Iranian air defense weapons, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields were also targeted, according to officials.
Israeli forces targeted sites linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a senior Israeli official confirmed to Fox News.
President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday afternoon that Khamenei had been killed in a strike. He is among more than 40 senior Iranian security and regime figures killed in the attack, a senior Israeli official told Fox News.
In coordinated, sweeping U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran in the predawn hours of Saturday, key military and nuclear-linked sites were targeted inside the country. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)
«Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,» Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. «This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.»
He also claimed that the IRGC is seeking immunity from the U.S.
The leaders had all been meeting at a compound in Tehran on Saturday morning.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, President Donald Trump confirmed. (Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)
FBI RAISES COUNTERTERROR TEAMS TO HIGH ALERT AMID IRAN TENSIONS
The strikes were moved up due to the «target of opportunity,» multiple sources told Fox News, which is why the strikes happened in the daytime in Iran, keeping the element of surprise. «There was a deliberate decision to accelerate the timeline,» one source said.
The campaign, which Trump described overnight from Mar-a-Lago as the beginning of «major combat operations» in the region, encompasses multi-geographic targets in an effort to overwhelm Iran’s defensive capabilities.
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran on Saturday. (AP Photo)
ISRAEL’S LARGEST EVER MILITARY FLYOVER HAMMERS IRANIAN MILITARY TARGETS
The strikes could also continue for multiple days.
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Trump said the campaign aimed to devastate Iran’s military, dismantle its nuclear program, and he urged the Iranian people to «take over» their government.
Tomahawk cruise missiles were used in the first strikes of the operation, called Operation Epic Fury, along with one-way attack drones that were used for the first time, according to a U.S. official.
Fox News’ Liz Friden, Morgan Phillips, Amanda Macias, Alexandra Koch and Kelley Kramer contributed to this report.
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war with iran,iran,world,israel,military
INTERNACIONAL
Tras el ataque a Irán, tambalea la Revolución Islámica y Trump apuesta a una rebelión interna
El ataque conjunto de Estados Unidos e Israel contra Irán, que provocó la muerte del ayatolá Ali Jamenei, dejó a la Revolución Islámica frente a un riesgo de colapso inminente, pero al mismo tiempo abrió una fuerte incertidumbre sobre el futuro de un país jaqueado por un frente interno en ebullición y una oposición dividida.
Donald Trump dejó en claro que el objetivo es un “cambio de régimen”, pero el Pentágono es consciente de que no bastará usar la fuerza militar para derrocar al gobierno de los ayatolás.
Leé también: Trump confirmó que el líder supremo de Irán murió en los ataques coordinados de Israel y EE.UU.
El llamado del presidente estadounidense a la población iraní para que tomen el control del gobierno dejó en evidencia que Washington apuesta a una rebelión interna bajo el impulso de la debilidad del poder religioso-militar y las protestas de los últimos dos meses que dejaron miles de muertos.
Pero hay dos hechos palpables: 1) el discurso de Trump no llega a la población iraní por el cierre de internet y telefonía a nivel nacional y 2) no hay a simple vista una Delcy Rodríguez local que pueda asumir un gobierno tutelado como el que emergió en la Venezuela chavista tras el ataque del 3 de enero.
De lo contrario, si el gobierno teocrático no sobrevive, el riesgo de caos es total, con el peligro latente de una desintegración nacional como la que ocurrió en Irak, Libia y Siria y con graves consecuencias geopolíticas. En Washington no olvidan que la crisis siria e iraquí llevó a la irrupción del Estado Islámico (ISIS).
El rol de Reza Pahlavi, el heredero del sha
El “príncipe” Reza Pahlavi, heredero del fallecido sha de Irán Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, derrocado en 1979 por la Revolución Islámica, no tiene hoy ningún tipo de influencia real en la sociedad iraní.
Desde hace meses busca posicionarse como el hombre indicado para una eventual transición en su país, aunque sus detractores minimizan su llegada en el Irán profundo y hasta destacan que no maneja bien el farsi.
Un exiliado iraní porta un cartel con la imagen de Reza Pahlavi en Londres (Foto: REUTERS/Toby Melville)
Sus videos y mensajes subidos a sus redes sociales de las últimas semanas, en los que llama a redoblar las protestas contra la Revolución Islámica que derrocó a su padre, no lograron posicionarlo como un líder visible en el país. Su apoyo está basado en el exilio.
Reza Pavhlavi “no tiene una red organizada sobre el terreno y sigue siendo una figura divisiva” en la sociedad iraní, dijo en una entrevista reciente con TN el analista Ali Vaez, encargado de temas iraníes del Crisis Group, una ONG especializada en la resolución de conflictos.
Leé también: El Gobierno refuerza la seguridad en la Embajada de Israel y activa el protocolo de alerta en las fronteras
Lo mismo sucede con la oposición iraní. No solo se encuentra muy dividida, sino que además sus referentes están fuera del país.
“Ningún grupo de oposición externo tiene una base amplia de apoyo” en el territorio, indicó.
Las protestas que sacudieron Irán desde fines de diciembre no tuvieron “cabezas” visibles. Incluso comenzaron como un reclamo económico ante la difícil situación del país cuando un grupo de comerciantes salió a las calles a manifestar su descontento por la elevada inflación.
La protesta ganó adeptos y el país pronto se incendió bajo una marea de manifestantes descontentos con el gobierno. Pero no hubo líderes ni rostros que arrastraran multitudes, bajo un esquema de represión sistemática.
¿Hay una Delcy Rodríguez iraní?
A menos que Trump sorprenda con una jugada como la que emergió en la Venezuela chavista tras la captura de Nicolás Maduro, en Irán no se observa una Delcy Rodríguez que pueda conducir una transición.
“En el sistema político iraní la máxima autoridad proviene del líder supremo (Ali Jamenei). La máxima autoridad ejerce poder real, y viene institucionalmente respaldada por la guardia revolucionaria, una guardia pretoriana ideológica y económicamente (pragmáticamente) interesada en la supervivencia del régimen. Si bien uno puede conjeturar que algún militar de las guardias revolucionarias podría tomar las riendas del país o intentar hacerlo, en el caso iraní sería mucho más difícil armonizar la ideología del régimen con un esquema de cooperación (o sumisión) con Estados Unidos. Hay muchísima incertidumbre”, dijo a TN el analista Federico Gaón, especializado en Medio Oriente.
Analistas consultados por TN coincidieron en señalar que a Estados Unidos no le conviene un colapso total de la Revolución Islámica, sino el surgimiento de un “núcleo progresista” y moderado, ya sea militar o político de la actual estructura de poder islámica, que tome el lugar de los ultraconservadores comandados por el líder supremo.
Pero hoy el progresismo está representado por el presidente Masoud Pezeshkian, uno de los objetivos de los ataques de este sábado. Buscar una alternativa militar es el premio mayor para Washington.
Es un escenario muy endeble y peligroso. Cualquier tropiezo en este juego de ajedrez geopolítico y militar podría derivar en un terreno hostil que ponga al país al borde de una guerra civil y a la región en un conflicto abierto que sacuda al mundo entero.
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