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HUD secretary says preliminary probe in Minnesota found about $84 million in likely ineligible assistance
Summary
HUD Secretary Scott Turner told Washington Watch that HUD investigators in Minneapolis–Saint Paul have identified what he described as about $84 million in likely ineligible assistance and nearly $500,000 paid to more than 500 deceased tenants; he said the agency will pursue accountability as the probe continues.
Secretary Scott Turner told Washington Watch that HUD has "boots on the ground" in Minneapolis and Saint Paul and that his agency's fraud-prevention work has identified what he described as "likely over $84,000,000 in ineligible assistance." Turner said HUD's preliminary review also found "almost $500,000 in improper assistance to over 500 dead tenants."
"This is a lack of stewardship," Turner said. "It's gross negligence," and he added that HUD will "hold those accountable" who are responsible for improper payments. The host, Tony, framed the pattern as appearing coordinated and possibly criminal; Turner agreed investigators are uncovering "layer upon layer" of problems and weak financial controls.
Tony noted that other federal agencies have taken steps: he said the Agriculture Department suspended federal awards to Minnesota, and that a new Justice Department division for national fraud enforcement was announced. Turner confirmed HUD has been conducting its own review in the Twin Cities and described the agency's work as part of a broader federal response.
The claims Turner reported are preliminary findings from HUD's internal fraud-prevention team; he characterized the amounts and counts as what HUD has "found so far." He did not, in the interview, provide documentary exhibits or judicial actions tied to those figures, and no formal charges or case numbers were presented on air. The department's review remains ongoing and Turner said HUD will pursue accountability "and bring those to justice who have... criminalized the programs that were meant to help American people in need."
The investigation as described touches recipients in Minnesota and has prompted, according to the hosts' account, related actions by other federal agencies. HUD did not provide additional documentation during the interview; Turner said only that field staff are working on-site and that the agency will be transparent about next steps. The probe status and any recoveries, referrals to prosecutors, or administrative remedies were described as continuing work and were not finalized in the segment.
