Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer has sharply criticized Minnesota’s top political leadership while applauding a move by Donald Trump, as controversy over a multibillion-dollar fraud scandal intensifies across the state.

Brewer, who previously wore the captain’s patch for the Vikings, publicly blamed Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for what he described as a massive breakdown in oversight. According to Brewer, this failure allowed widespread fraud to flourish across state-run assistance programs, placing Minnesota taxpayers on the hook for billions.

The remarks come as Minnesotans, including Vikings fans, grapple with revelations that have shaken confidence in public institutions across the state.

Brewer makes controversial claims about long-term influence
In a series of statements, Brewer alleged that large sums of public money were improperly distributed through networks tied to members of Minnesota’s Somali community, which he referred to as a “Somali elite.”

He claimed he has observed what he views as disproportionate political and financial influence within the state over many years.
Brewer, who spent part of his 14-season NFL career with Minnesota and captained the team in the mid-2000s, framed the situation as a deeply rooted issue affecting everyday life for residents.

By late December 2025, authorities had charged 98 individuals in multiple fraud investigations—an increase from no active cases just months earlier. Prosecutors say many of the schemes involved fake businesses, sham offices, and falsified records used to siphon money from welfare, childcare, and other social service programs.

Scope of the fraud raises alarm
The alleged financial damage is staggering. A review of approximately $18 billion distributed through high-risk programs suggested that more than half of the funds may have been improperly claimed, putting the estimated loss at around $9 billion—roughly 15% of Minnesota’s annual budget.

One of the most prominent cases, known as Feeding Our Future, involved roughly $250 million in misused federal food assistance funds. Critics argue that such cases point to systemic failures rather than isolated incidents.

Brewer and several Republican figures contend that the Walz administration’s spending practices and lax oversight created conditions ripe for what they describe as “industrial-scale fraud.”

Calls for immigration pause and federal intervention
In response to the scandal, Brewer urged a complete halt to immigration until the full scope of the fraud is understood. He labeled Minnesota a “capital of chaos,” arguing that current leadership policies have endangered essential public programs.

At the federal level, the Trump administration has frozen certain funding streams to states facing similar concerns. While dozens of cases are now under federal investigation, officials have not yet disclosed how much of the stolen money may ultimately be recovered.
Clarifying Brewer’s NFL career
Brewer appeared in 40 NFL games over five seasons, including 21 games with the Minnesota Vikings from 2002 to 2003, when he was named a team captain. He also played for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. Reports clarify that he did not serve as a defensive captain for 70 games with the Vikings, as some earlier claims suggested.

Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer has sharply criticized Minnesota’s top political leadership while applauding a move by Donald Trump, as controversy over a multibillion-dollar fraud scandal intensifies across the state.

Brewer, who previously wore the captain’s patch for the Vikings, publicly blamed Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison for what he described as a massive breakdown in oversight. According to Brewer, this failure allowed widespread fraud to flourish across state-run assistance programs, placing Minnesota taxpayers on the hook for billions.

The remarks come as Minnesotans, including Vikings fans, grapple with revelations that have shaken confidence in public institutions across the state.

Brewer makes controversial claims about long-term influence

In a series of statements, Brewer alleged that large sums of public money were improperly distributed through networks tied to members of Minnesota’s Somali community, which he referred to as a “Somali elite.” He claimed he has observed what he views as disproportionate political and financial influence within the state over many years.

Brewer, who spent part of his 14-season NFL career with Minnesota and captained the team in the mid-2000s, framed the situation as a deeply rooted issue affecting everyday life for residents.

By late December 2025, authorities had charged 98 individuals in multiple fraud investigations—an increase from no active cases just months earlier. Prosecutors say many of the schemes involved fake businesses, sham offices, and falsified records used to siphon money from welfare, childcare, and other social service programs.

Scope of the fraud raises alarm

The alleged financial damage is staggering. A review of approximately $18 billion distributed through high-risk programs suggested that more than half of the funds may have been improperly claimed, putting the estimated loss at around $9 billion—roughly 15% of Minnesota’s annual budget.

One of the most prominent cases, known as Feeding Our Future, involved roughly $250 million in misused federal food assistance funds. Critics argue that such cases point to systemic failures rather than isolated incidents.

Brewer and several Republican figures contend that the Walz administration’s spending practices and lax oversight created conditions ripe for what they describe as “industrial-scale fraud.”

Calls for immigration pause and federal intervention

In response to the scandal, Brewer urged a complete halt to immigration until the full scope of the fraud is understood. He labeled Minnesota a “capital of chaos,” arguing that current leadership policies have endangered essential public programs.

At the federal level, the Trump administration has frozen certain funding streams to states facing similar concerns. While dozens of cases are now under federal investigation, officials have not yet disclosed how much of the stolen money may ultimately be recovered.

Clarifying Brewer’s NFL career

Brewer appeared in 40 NFL games over five seasons, including 21 games with the Minnesota Vikings from 2002 to 2003, when he was named a team captain. He also played for the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. Reports clarify that he did not serve as a defensive captain for 70 games with the Vikings, as some earlier claims suggested.

What comes next

Minnesota residents are now waiting for a response from Governor Walz, expected later this week. With federal funding potentially on the line and public trust strained, Brewer’s comments may fuel renewed demands for audits, accountability, and policy changes in the months ahead.What comes next
Minnesota residents are now waiting for a response from Governor Walz, expected later this week. With federal funding potentially on the line and public trust strained, Brewer’s comments may fuel renewed demands for audits, accountability, and policy changes in the months ahead.