Minnesota's massive federal fraud scandals are not only draining taxpayer dollars but also inflicting serious damage on legitimate charities that rely on public trust to serve vulnerable communities, said Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo.
"It's really tragic what they've done," Burlison said on Newsmax's "Greg Kelly Reports."
"They've created this crony charity system that is funneling your taxpayer dollars through a poorly done bureaucratic system."
Burlison said the consequences extend far beyond wasted money.
"What it's doing is besmirching the reputations of true charities that are out there — true charities, where people give out of the goodness of their heart and keep track of where those dollars are going," he said.
According to Burlison, the Minnesota fraud scandal highlights the danger of using taxpayer dollars to prop up organizations without meaningful oversight or accountability.
He said that unlike private charitable giving, which donors carefully monitor, government-funded programs can become magnets for abuse.
"This is not at all the same thing," Burlison said.
"This is taxpayer dollars because of misuse and poor oversight of the state of Minnesota."
Burlison warned that the fallout is harming the very people charitable organizations are meant to help.
"Potentially billions of dollars are going into the wrong hands," he said. "And no one's being served."
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.