Brief
Trump fraud task force says $42 million SNAP fraud tied to rapper Shawty Dred
The task force announced the scheme involved more than 40 defendants and highlighted the alleged role of Atlanta influencer Mercedes New.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Washington – A fraud task force created under the Trump administration announced Wednesday that it had uncovered almost $42 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud, including schemes run by Atlanta rapper and Instagram influencer Mercedes New, who goes by Shawty Dred.
What happened
Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Todd Blanche and officials from the Departments of Justice and Agriculture held a press conference in Cincinnati on October 21. They said the investigation identified more than 40 defendants who allegedly stole SNAP benefits and used the money to fund criminal activities such as gun and drug trafficking. The task force claims the fraud diverted funds that could have fed 220,000 Americans for the entire month of October.
What the reports add
The New York Post reported that New was indicted on more than 40 counts, including food‑stamp fraud, mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, for allegedly siphoning over $4 million by obtaining fraudulent debit cards and operating a SNAP‑retail business, Shawty Dred LLC, between 2025 and 2026. The outlet also noted that Georgia police arrested New in November outside a Walmart for selling the cards.
What was said
Attorney General Todd Blanche told the press, “Two‑hundred twenty thousand Americans could’ve eaten for the entire month of October if it were not for this $42 million in fraud.” Vice President Vance added, “SNAP exists to help hungry children eat; it does not exist to provide private jets to a guy like Shawty Dred.”
How it came about
The task force was formed during the Trump administration to target large‑scale SNAP abuse. Earlier this month, Felo News reported on a Pennsylvania welfare supervisor charged with stealing $20,000 in SNAP benefits, showing a pattern of intensified scrutiny on food‑assistance fraud. The current investigation expands that focus to a high‑profile influencer who previously attracted media attention for a 2022 balcony‑urination incident.
Key facts
- The task force uncovered nearly $42 million in SNAP fraud. (nypost.com)
- Mercedes New, aka Shawty Dred, was indicted on more than 40 counts. (nypost.com)
- New allegedly stole over $4 million by using fraudulent debit cards and a SNAP‑retail business. (nypost.com)
- Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fraud could have fed 220,000 Americans for October. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Trump fraud task force uncovers $42M in food stamp thefts — including lewd rapper who literally set cash on fire”
