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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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An influencer associated with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement has claimed he has received "over 1,000" tips related to alleged fraud in California.
Writing on X, Benny Johnson, a YouTuber and podcaster, said he was going to the state "to investigate" what he called "mind-blowing" fraud he said was linked to Democrats.
Johnson did not provide specifics of the tips he had received and Newsweek has not verified them but it comes amid mounting allegations from the right that there is fraud in California and other states.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has repeatedly dismissed these claims.
Newsweek reached out to Newsom and Johnson by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
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Why It Matters
The issue of fraud has risen up the political agenda after high-profile allegations first emerged in Minnesota, sparking federal investigations and politicized claims that the issues are linked to Democratic politicians. Democratic Governor Tim Walz ended his campaign for a third term in Minnesota in the wake of the fraud scandal, though defended his record.
Claims being put forward in California show both the scale of potential fraud in the U.S. and the potential for politicians to leverage allegations against their political opponents.
What To Know
Johnson claimed in a video posted on X that, after creating an email address encouraging Californians to submit allegations of fraud he had received "over 1,000 tips" from people connected to local government and ordinary citizens detailing "waste, fraud and abuse."
He said that there had been "$200 or $300 billion worth of fraud" linked to transport systems, housing and other policies that was "being laundered into the pockets of the Democrat elites in the state."
It comes as the Trump administration is planning to freeze $10 billion in welfare funding from five Democratic states—California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York—due to concerns over potential fraud.
In California specifically, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton claimed the amount of fraud in the state will likely exceed $250 billion, though he did not provide further details.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump called California "more corrupt that Minnesota" and said his administration had started investigating it for fraud.
Newsom has denied the claims and said Republicans are targeting Democrat-run states for political gain. In one post he wrote: "BREAKING: Same people who "found" $250 BILLION in fake fraud have also confirmed California is home to unicorns, leprechauns, and a permanent cure to chronic erectile dysfunction."
Scott Lucas, who teaches international politics at University College Dublin, told Newsweek Johnson was a "misinformation, disinformation conspiracy theorist." He said there is "fraud in every state."
What People Are Saying
In a video posted on X, Benny Johnson said fraud in California "makes Minnesota looks like child's play."
He added in a post: "Democrats are panicking because exposure like this ends political careers. We saw it with Tim Walz. Newsom is next."
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton said: "What we’re trying to do is paint a picture. With, you know, a heavy caveat as to the accuracy of the number, but we think it’s going to be at least $250 billion…and probably more than that once you get into it."
Newsom spokeswoman Izzy Gardon previously told Newsweek: "In the actual world where adults govern, Governor Newsom has been cleaning house. Since taking office, he’s blocked over $125 BILLION in fraud, arrested criminal parasites leaching off of taxpayers, and protected taxpayers from the exact kind of scam artists Trump celebrates, excuses, and pardons."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday: "California, under Governor Gavin Newscum, is more corrupt than Minnesota, if that’s possible??? The Fraud Investigation of California has begun."
What Happens Next
Johnson said he and his team will visit California next week.
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