The staggering spike prompted immediate action from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), led by Administrator Mehmet Oz, which identified 4,200 suspicious claims for skin substitutes—known as allografts—totaling $224 million in charges through May.

Since March, CMS has denied 96% of claims flagged as potentially fraudulent.

“THAT’S A LOT OF MONEY. AND THAT BANKRUPTS NOT JUST HOSPITAL SYSTEMS AND PHYSICIAN GROUPS, BUT IT CAUSES MAJOR PROBLEMS ACROSS THE ENTIRE LANDSCAPE.”

Oz delivered that warning during a press conference in Milwaukee on Wednesday, ahead of expected remarks from Vance highlighting the task force’s wins.

The agency also targeted alleged fraud in Durable Medical Equipment (DME)—wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds—suspending payments to 102 suppliers and revoking billing privileges for an additional 725 suppliers.

“In just six months, the task force has effectively wiped out Durable Medical Equipment fraud in America,” a spokesperson for Vance’s office told Fox News Digital.

The crackdown came after Vance and Oz announced a moratorium on new DME companies, paired with aggressive enforcement actions by the Justice Department and HHS.

The suspended suppliers represented 8.6% of all Medicare-funded Durable Medical Equipment in 2025.

Sources at CMS told Fox News Digital that fraud was identified for suppliers who filed claims for equipment that was not necessary or ordered, filed claims for equipment more complex or expensive than ordered, and claims for equipment that was never delivered.

“Thanks to the whole-of-government approach spearheaded by the White House Anti-Fraud Task Force, we stopped nearly $220 million in fraudulent skin substitute claims and suspended or revoked billing privileges for over 800 DME suppliers,” Oz said in a statement.

“We are keeping our promise to the American people: we will root out corruption, protect vulnerable patients, and hold every bad actor accountable.”

“TO ANYONE OUT THERE WHO THINKS THEY CAN GET AWAY BY STEALING FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY AMERICAN PATIENTS, I’VE GOT A BIT OF ADVICE FOR YOU: DO NOT WALK AWAY FROM THIS PRESS CONFERENCE. DON’T WALK AWAY FROM US. YOU START RUNNING BECAUSE THE VICE PRESIDENT AND THIS TASK FORCE ARE COMING AFTER YOU.”

Oz issued that direct warning to fraudsters during the Milwaukee press conference.

In May, the Justice Department charged 15 individuals in Minnesota, uncovering more than $90 million in alleged fraudulent claims tied to multiple state-funded assistance programs.

The task force and DOJ announced a massive takedown of two of the largest Medicaid fraud cases in Minnesota state history, as well as the largest autism fraud scheme ever charged by the federal government.

“Our message is simple: if you’re committing fraud, we will find you, and we won’t rest until justice is served,” Vance said on X at the time.

President Donald Trump established the anti-fraud task force through an executive order in May, appointing Vance to lead the effort. A number of agencies and departments have joined the crackdown on fraud across the country.

“Vice President JD Vance and Republicans are doing a great job hunting down Fraud in the various States,” Trump posted on Truth Social in June. “Billions of Dollars is being found, and we’ve just started!”

Noah Dingels, 11, and Cole Dingels, 8, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, have raised $60,000 for veterans through a lemonade stand they’ve run for five years at golf tournaments hosted by Tee It Up for the Troops.

The national nonprofit supports veterans through six mission pillars: PTSD and traumatic brain injury support, suicide awareness and prevention, employment, sports and recreation, housing, and family and caregiver support.

“I really liked it, it’s cool to see the veterans and present the money at the end of the night.”

The boys started small in their first year, raising $359. That success motivated them to expand.

Now they sell lemonade, candy bars — Snickers is the tournament favorite — and golf balls. Local sponsors have stepped up to support their mission.

“The lemonade stand has always been about giving back, and so the boys have done a great job of using their time and talents every year to show their patriotism and show their gratitude to our veterans,” their mother Angela told Fox News Digital.

She described the fundraising efforts as “contagious.” Community members, including Noah and Cole’s classmates and sports teammates, often stop by the stand to offer support.

“During the event, they get to meet different veterans, thank them for their service and show their love for our country,” Angela said.

One of those veterans is Harry Wisdom, a decorated U.S. Army helicopter pilot awarded a Silver Star for heroism during the Vietnam War.

Wisdom, now 86, brought his Silver Star to the lemonade stand last year and gave it to the boys as a sign of appreciation.

“He wrote them an incredible letter, and so it’s just been a very special connection that we look forward to every year.”

Tee It Up for the Troops was founded in 2005 and is based in Burnsville, Minnesota. Chris LaRocque, an Army reserve officer, serves as the group’s executive director and president.

The organization has raised over $19 million and supported 400,000 military families over its 21-year lifespan.

Aside from the 45 golf tournaments held across the country this year, Tee It Up for the Troops hosts an annual event in Florida called REUNION, which brings together veterans who forged friendships in service.

“REUNION brings together combat veterans and battle buddies, that they’ve lost connection with, as well as some of their family members,” LaRocque said. “We go through a lot of their stories, through shared experiences. We have small group leaders and mentors there, and it’s really a powerful experience and really a unique thing.”

LaRocque had high praise for Noah and Cole.

“What a cool thing that these young entrepreneurs, young men that are growing, want to do something bigger than themselves,” he said.

“What a great message for all of us in our country, especially at the 250th anniversary of our founding.”

LaRocque, who has been deployed overseas three times and has combat experience, describes Tee It Up for the Troops’ mission as near and dear to his heart.

“The reason we’re able to celebrate the 250th is because of generations of men and women that have sacrificed for it, sometimes ultimately with their lives,” he said.

LaRocque believes America is still the greatest country in the world despite facing challenges.

“What’s so special to me is that we’ve got some young men that are seeing that more than many, and doing something about it,” LaRocque said of Noah and Cole.

“They’re like stepping up and going, ‘hey, here’s something we could do. I see this as like a gap. I want to help our community and veterans in our community and do something bigger than just an individual effort.’ And, I think it’s special.”

Tou Lue Vang was convicted in 2006 of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a preteen. He lost his legal status after the conviction and received a final order of removal. But on June 10, 2026, Minnesota’s Board of Pardons — which includes Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Justice Natalie Hudson — voted to pardon him.

The pardon came one week before his planned deportation to Laos.

“Governor Tim Walz’s decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting.”

“Governor Tim Walz’s decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting,” acting assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis said. “These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting.”

According to DHS, the pardon could now “thwart his removal from the United States.”

Court records reveal Vang repeatedly sexually assaulted a girl between 2002 and 2004, when she was under 13 years old. He allegedly offered the victim $10 to keep quiet about the abuse.

During law enforcement interviews at the time, Vang reportedly blamed his culture, claiming it was permissible to “marry and have sex with girls as young as 12.” DHS also said Vang told investigators the girl he abused was equally guilty and “should be arrested too.”

Vang entered the U.S. in 1994 and was granted legal status by the Clinton administration. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2005, to “penetration or contact with a person under 13 years old by an actor more than 36 months older.” He was sentenced in February 2006 to 12 years with the sentence stayed, plus 30 years of supervised probation.

His legal status was revoked after conviction, and he received a final order of removal in 2006.

Ellison’s office defended the pardon in a statement to The New York Times, saying the Board made “a unanimous decision to grant Tou Vang this pardon after an exhaustive process which included a statement of support for the pardon from the victim.”

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also weighed in on social media, highlighting the timing of the pardon.

The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted June 10 to grant Tou Lue Vang, of Laos, a pardon for his 2006 convictions for sexual assault—strongarm sodomy and procuring a child for prostitution. This pardon came just a week before Vang was set to be REMOVED from our nation.…

— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) July 1, 2026

“The Minnesota Board of Pardons voted June 10 to grant Tou Lue Vang, of Laos, a pardon for his 2006 convictions for sexual assault — strongarm sodomy and procuring a child for prostitution,” ICE posted on X. “This pardon came just a week before Vang was set to be REMOVED from our nation.”

Bis stressed the pardon undermines federal immigration enforcement and allows a convicted child sex offender to remain in the country.

“Tou Lue Vang lost his legal status following his conviction for repeatedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl,” Bis said. “Following the conviction, he was placed in removal proceedings and issued a final order of removal by a judge. This pardon will take away this child rapist’s qualifying convictions that made him removable from the United States.”

The charges remain allegations. The case has not been proven in court.

Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national, repeatedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl between 2002 and 2004. He was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in 2006 and lost his legal immigration status.

An immigration judge issued a final order of removal in 2006. For years, Laos refused to accept deportees. That changed after President Trump returned to office in 2025.

Federal officials say Vang was on the verge of being deported when the Minnesota Board of Pardons — which includes Walz, Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison, and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson — voted to pardon him on June 10.

“Governor Tim Walz’s decision to pardon an illegal alien convicted child rapist so he can remain in our country is disgusting.”

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said the pardon will strip away the convictions that made Vang removable from the United States.

“These are the criminal illegal aliens he and his Minnesota sanctuary politicians are protecting,” Bis said in a DHS statement. “Following the conviction, he was placed in removal proceedings and issued a final order of removal by a judge. This pardon will take away this child rapist’s qualifying convictions that made him removable from the United States.”

Court documents cited by DHS show Vang attempted to pay the victim $10 to remain silent about the abuse.

During a police interview, Vang attempted to justify his actions by claiming it was “a cultural thing” to marry and have sex with girls as young as 12. He argued the victim should also be arrested, according to court records.

According to the New York Times, the Minnesota Board of Pardons granted the pardon after a review process that included letters submitted on Vang’s behalf. One letter came from the victim herself, who told the board she had forgiven Vang and supported his request for clemency.

Minnesota officials have said the victim’s statement weighed heavily in their decision.

The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, which prosecuted the original case, opposed the pardon. Prosecutors argued the offense was exceptionally serious and noted Vang had originally received a lenient sentence in part because the victim, who was 12 when the case was prosecuted, faced pressure from family members not to cooperate with authorities.

DHS pointed to the decision as part of what it says is a broader pattern. The department noted that Minnesota’s Clemency Review Commission previously approved a pardon for another Laotian immigrant whose criminal history included armed robbery and drunk driving.

The controversy comes as the Trump administration continues to prioritize the deportation of criminal non-citizens and has repeatedly criticized Democratic-led states over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies.

Whether the pardon ultimately prevents Vang’s deportation remains to be determined through the immigration court system. However, federal officials argue that removing the conviction underlying his removal order could significantly complicate those efforts.

Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen announced the charges Tuesday, confirming that 13 of the 15 defendants are already in custody. The charges include interfering with federal agents, stalking, assault, and threatening officers.

“Such stalking and other direct actions against law enforcement are criminal. They’re un-American, and they’ll be met with swift justice. To those who choose to threaten or harm federal officers, we will hold you accountable.”

Rosen accused the militants of training members in the “aggressive use of shields against law enforcement, surveillance, operational planning, and rapid mobilization against law enforcement actions.”

All defendants were allegedly associated with Direct Action Minnesota (DAMN), previously known as Twin Cities Direct Action. The unsealed indictment describes DAMN as “dedicated and committed to direct action against federal law and immigration enforcement,” using “disruptive and obstructive tactics” to “forcibly challenge, block, or stop immigration raids, detentions, and deportations.”

The indictment identifies DAMN as made up of “sub-groups” including the Black Cat Worker’s Collective — whose members “advocate, promote, and utilize militant tactics and violence” — and the Ray Rainbolt Memorial Shooting Club, which promotes “community self-defense.” Both are identified as “Antifa affinity groups” based in Minneapolis.

DAMN members allegedly used a Signal group chat that logs identifying information of federal immigration enforcement vehicles, enabling them to track officers throughout the city and place militants in their path.

Once someone relays information about a federal immigration or law enforcement officer’s location, “dispatchers” relay “verified” information to “commuters,” who deploy to the identified area to interfere with, prevent, hinder, delay, impede, and directly confront federal immigration enforcement, including “de-arresting” people that federal law enforcement have arrested.

The indictment details how “commuters” follow federal immigration enforcement officers from locations to the officers’ residences and other locations, often working with “co-pilots” who communicate with dispatchers in real-time.

The charges remain allegations. The case has not been proven in court.

The indictments follow the far left’s violent response to Operation Metro Surge, the mass deportation operation in the Twin Cities over the winter, where federal officers were met with militants acting to thwart lawful operations and Democrat politicians who encouraged violence against them.

The House Oversight Committee released a report Monday morning alleging that Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison were aware of systemic fraud in federal social programs as early as 2019 — but failed to act.

“Minnesota state officials are not above the law, and if they facilitated fraud, lied under oath about what they knew, or harassed and intimidated whistleblowers, they must face justice.”

Vance wrote those words in an X post announcing the referral. His letter to Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald detailed the Oversight Committee’s findings, which allege the Walz administration spent millions of dollars on private investigators and law firms to silence staff who attempted to report the fraud.

I’ve referred these allegations to DOJ’s new Fraud Division for criminal investigation. Minnesota state officials are not above the law, and if they facilitated fraud, lied under oath about what they knew, or harassed and intimated whistleblowers, they must face justice. https://t.co/EatSBh9Gh6pic.twitter.com/7JeFcgkTV0

— JD Vance (@JDVance) June 9, 2026

The Oversight Committee wrote Vance on Sunday requesting his White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud review Minnesota’s social services programs in light of alleged efforts by state officials to cover up fraud reports.

President Trump announced a “war on fraud” during his State of the Union address earlier this year, calling Minnesota “the most stunning example” of corruption “plundering America.”

Minnesota came under national scrutiny after journalist Nick Shirley’s viral exposes of alleged fraud in the state’s Somali community in December 2025. That reporting led Trump to establish the Justice Department’s Division for National Fraud Enforcement in January 2026.

The charges remain allegations. The case has not been proven in court.

“We’ve already seen what’s happening in Minnesota and California with the Medicaid and welfare fraud in those states. Now we’re expanding to Ohio, and we’re going to keep expanding to other states, because this is a problem in all 50 states.”

Comer made the comments on Newsmax’s “National Report” ahead of a House Oversight task force hearing on alleged fraud in Ohio’s Medicaid waiver program. The hearing focused on allegations that providers billed Medicaid for personal care services that were never delivered.

The Kentucky Republican said investigators are focusing on providers licensed to participate in Medicaid who allegedly submit claims without performing services.

“What we’re finding and what we’re going to focus on today are providers, people who are registered and licensed to be providing Medicaid services, but they’re not providing any services,” Comer said. “They’re only billing Medicaid. And this is a huge problem that’s costing the taxpayers, and it’s hurting the Medicaid program in all 50 states.”

The hearing comes as Republicans intensify oversight of Medicaid spending and fraud prevention efforts.

According to the House Oversight Committee, the Ohio inquiry centers on the state’s Home and Community-Based Services waiver program, which pays caregivers and providers for services such as household assistance and personal care. Committee Republicans have cited reports alleging more than $1 billion in potential fraud within the program.

Comer also praised whistleblowers who have come forward with information about alleged abuses.

“Absolutely. And we’re having more whistleblowers come forward now,” Comer said. “These people have been sounding the alarm for years, but nobody’s been serious about doing anything about the fraud.”

The Kentucky Republican argued that state officials have not always aggressively pursued fraud because Medicaid is largely funded by the federal government while administered by states.

Looking ahead, Comer suggested the committee’s investigation could soon broaden beyond Ohio and New York.

“We’re requesting information in New York. We’re requesting information in other states. We’re probably about to request information in Kentucky, which is a huge Medicaid state,” he said.

Comer said accountability must extend beyond administrative penalties.

“Hopefully with the Department of Justice and with Vice President Vance’s fraud task force, we’re going to start seeing some of these people prosecuted because if people aren’t prosecuted, if they’re not held accountable, they’re going to continue to do it,” he said. “Simply removing their license or canceling them from the Medicaid program, that’s not going to stop them.”

Comer also said investigators are finding that alleged abuse is not limited to individual bad actors.

“One of the interesting things that we’re seeing here, it’s not just fraudsters,” he said. “It’s also private equity. This is a massive industry, the fraud industry in the Medicaid program in America.”

The House task force hearing featured testimony from Ohio officials and investigative reporter Luke Rosiak as lawmakers examined vulnerabilities in Medicaid waiver programs and explored reforms aimed at preventing fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars.

The vice presidential campaign of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is reeling after its latest scandal involving a pro-business group which claims that it previously asked him to stop claiming he received an award that was never bestowed on him.

In 2006, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce was grappling with how to respond to Walz’s first congressional campaign where the Democrat claimed he received a 1993 award from the organization recognizing his work in the business community. Letters from that time have surfaced showing the Chamber demanding the Walz campaign “remove any reference” to the nonexistent award, the New York Post reported. Barry L. Kennedy, the group’s president at the time, urged Walz to refrain from suggesting he was endorsing the Democrat’s bid to win a Republican-leaning district.

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“We researched this matter and can confirm that you have not been the recipient of any award from the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce,” reads the letter addressed to Walz on Nov. 1, 2006. “I am not going to draw a conclusion about your intentions by including this line in your biography. However, we respectfully request that you remove any reference to our organization as it could be considered an endorsement of your candidacy. It should be pointed out, however, that the US Chamber of Commerce has endorsed your opponent, Congressman Gil Gutknecht, for his support of small business issues.”

The controversy gained traction in the 2006 campaign where Walz narrowly unseated former Rep. Gil Gutknecht (R-MN), but not without difficulty. In addition to his run-in with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the future governor also struggled with telling the truth about a drunk driving arrest in 1995. After a local Republican blog uncovered the arrest, Walz pushed back, saying the police allowed him to drive himself to jail. That wasn’t true, according to CNN. His then-campaign manager also suggested that the police officer who wrote the report concluded that Walz wasn’t actually drunk. “Walz’s campaign manager Kerry Greeley didn’t dispute that Walz was speeding when he was pulled over that night, but she said Walz was not drunk. She attributed the misunderstanding to Walz’s deafness, a condition resulting from his years of serving as an artillerist in the Army National Guard,” read an article in the Post Bulletin.

Nearly a month after Vice President Kamala Harris tapped Walz as her running mate, the steady drip of false statements made by Walz over the years has developed into a drumbeat threatening to derail their path to the White House. Initially, media outlets covered a letter by retired military officers who served with Walz and suggested he is guilty of “stolen valor” over touting a rescinded officer title in his congressional campaign. Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance (R-OH), who is also a veteran, has excoriated his opponent for misrepresenting his military career and avoiding a deployment to Afghanistan with his battalion.

Other controversies have furthered the narrative that Walz struggles with the truth. After he awkwardly told Harris that he enjoys eating “white guy tacos,” social media users unearthed an award that Walz actually did win – for cooking his “award-winning recipe for Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish.” He and his wife, Minnesota First Lady Glen Walz, have gone public with their efforts to conceive in the wake of an Alabama court ruling banning IVF across the state. However, both falsely claimed they relied on IVF.

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has a history of stretching the truth on important matters like his military record and handling of his state’s Black Lives Matter protests. But the latest absurd claims about his dietary preferences are beginning to make a mockery of it.

On Thursday the vice presidential nominee released a social media video where he tells Vice President Kamala Harris about his penchant for “white guy tacos,” a term he uses to describe a dish free of hot spices. “What does that mean, like mayonnaise and tuna?” Harris asks him. “Pretty much ground beef and cheese,” he replied. Asked if he uses any flavor at all, Walz lamely replies, “Uh, no… Black pepper is the top of the spice level in Minnesota.” The two go on to talk about “food knowledge” and Harris’s love of growing peppers at the White House, a video they ostensibly meant to humanize both of them to younger voters.

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In true fashion, the internet quickly discovered that Gov. Walz has touted his ability for making spicy dishes in the past. Just two and a half years ago, the midwestern Democrat proudly posted a photo of his trophy for an “award-winning recipe for Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish.” Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec was the first to call out the fibbing. “This you?” he replied to Walz shortly after the release of his video with Harris.

This you? pic.twitter.com/n9RcYp1yrP

— Jack Poso (@JackPosobiec) August 16, 2024

Newsmax host Todd Starnes took it further, explaining the story behind Walz’s culinary dishonesty. “But when Walz was a congressman he won a culinary contest. His recipe was ‘Tim’s Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish.’ The recipe included green chilies and chili powder,” Starnes wrote on X. “So, he not only lies about his military service, the governor also lies about his digestive system. And, what’s up with all the anti-white racism?”

Walz tells Kamala he eats “white guy tacos” because Minnesotans can’t handle spice level above “black pepper.”

But when Walz was a congressman he won a culinary contest. His recipe was “Tim’s Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish.” The recipe included green chilies and chili powder.

So, he…

— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) August 16, 2024

Starnes must have touched a nerve with his followers because others chimed in about Walz’s denigration of white taste buds and the stereotype that his fellow white midwesterners can’t handle the heat. “They think white racism will get them more votes, and it probably will from leftists,” one X user wrote. Wendy Maldonado cited her white upbringing in the South. “He would die in my WHITE/hispanic/mexican! I grew up in south Texas make no mistake about it we eat HOT STUFF! ” Others brought the completely unnecessary fib back to allegations that he misrepresented his military service to win a seat in Congress in 2005. “You definitely like to spice up your military history,” one person wrote in response to Walz’s post.

They think white racism will get them more votes, and it probably will from leftists.

— Uncle sam (@LiberalsStink2) August 16, 2024

He would die in my WHITE/hispanic/mexican! I grew up in south Texas make no mistake about it we eat HOT STUFF! Now living in Colorado I make hot green chili and hot red chili!

— Wendy Maldonado (@wendyloowho72) August 16, 2024

You definitely like to spice up your military history.

— MAZE (@mazemoore) August 15, 2024

In the end, the video may simply be another reminder that voters are tired of politicians pandering during the election season. “You both try so hard to appear normal but it just doesn’t work,” one follower of Walz replied. “Incredibly normal conversation, not forced at all,” added another.

You both try so hard to appear normal but it just doesn’t work

— One Bad Dude (@OneBadDude_) August 15, 2024

Incredibly normal conversation, not forced at all.

— Aesthetica (@Anc_Aesthetics) August 15, 2024

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A former NBA star who has been loud and proud about supporting former President Donald Trump is set to take on progressive Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in November.

Royce White, who retired in 2014 and plays semi-professionally in the minor leagues, won the Republican primary on Tuesday night, beating back a close challenge by retired Naval officer Joe Fraser. He will now take on Klobuchar in the heavily blue state that was trending Trump’s way before Vice President Kamala Harris jumped into the race. Still, White can rely on his successful career playing for the Sacramento Kings to perhaps raise national funds, which he’ll need; he enters the general election with roughly $53,000 cash on hand while Sen. Klobuchar has a war chest surpassing $12 million, according to Fox News.

(VOTE: Are You Supporting TRUMP Or KAMALA In November?)

Describing himself as a “MAGA extremist,” White, 33, earned the endorsement of the Minnesota Republican Party and has made his politics known during several high-profile appearances on the court. In July of 2023, he appeared at a BIG3 basketball game in Brooklyn on Saturday with “Trump Won!” emblazoned on the left side of his shaved head, a reference to claims that President Trump actually won the 2020 election. The matchup was nationally televised on CBS, something White no doubt knew would give his outspoken position massive attention.

The president’s campaign team was quick to highlight the show of support.

No lies detected! pic.twitter.com/uCD7fwd3O5

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 9, 2023

With a nod from President Trump as well, expect MAGA donors across the country to take a close look at making donations to White’s campaign. He joins other hard-right conservative Senate nominees running to support a second Trump administration alongside Arizona candidate Kari Lake, Ohio’s Bernie Moreno, and businessman Mike Rogers of Michigan. Neither is this White’s first time running for office. The power forward ran for Congress as a Republican in Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District, home to “Squad” member Ilhan Omar, but lost the primary election. Rep. Omar won her Democratic primary on Tuesday against a more moderate challenger.

Sen. Klobuchar was first elected in 2006 and is the state’s first woman to serve as a U.S. senator. However, her higher aspirations, including her 2020 campaign for president where she demonstrated an angrier, darker side in dealings with her staff, may be fodder for White on the campaign trail. The 2012 first-round draft pick has already laid the groundwork to contrast himself as more relatable than the elitist Democrat. He has publicly spoken out about his Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a deep fear of flying, preferring instead to travel to games by bus. He took a hiatus from professional basketball before joining the Canadian professional league in 2017 and later went semiprofessional with the Big3 league.

With more sports figures in recent years using their platforms to promote political causes, White is a contrarian in the liberal basketball world. He has called out China for its genocide in Uyghur and used his noggin to advertise his belief that the U.S. explored “gain of function” research with the coronavirus to increase its deadliness as a potential biological weapon. Speaking out about the 2024 presidential election, White has voiced support for a theoretical ticket that would see Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. join President Trump as the vice presidential nominee. In a Twitter post, he defended RFK’s assertion that the nation’s surveillance agencies were behind the assassination of his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy.

WATCH:

Protect RFK Jr — As long as the security state and deep state are not held to account for their role in the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the entire nation suffers from copious amounts of moral hazard. This is how we have to view his candidacy and safety. Trump/Kennedy 2024! pic.twitter.com/Ssx6ACDpbs

— Royce White (@Highway_30) July 6, 2023

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