Somali group gave Columbus mayor Ginther $5,000 campaign contribution amid fraud allegations

A Somali-led nonprofit allegedly donated $5,000 to Columbus City Mayor Andrew Ginther’s campaign while facing severe federal audit findings over mishandled taxpayer funds.

The Somali Community Link — a Columbus-based organization serving the Somali community — was accused of trading political contributions for public money.

According to the findings, the group donated to Ginther in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars from the city government.

Here’s a fun little story of Columbus-area Somali fraud that @DispatchAlerts @wsyx6 @nbc4i @10TV somehow missed.

The fraudsters in this story donated $5000 to @MayorGinther in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars from @ColumbusGov.https://t.co/2WOXl8xjDf pic.twitter.com/W4tsuWbUdU

— cbustruth (@cbustruth) December 30, 2025

Ginther accepted the campaign cash after the nonprofit failed its audit, which uncovered unaccounted-for funds from a $2.3 million federal grant, inadequate financial controls, and heightened risks of fraud and misuse, according to previous reporting by the Denver Gazette. Despite these red flags, the city later allocated additional funds to the group.

Digging into this story even further. @MayorGinther took thousands of $$ in campaign cash AFTER Somali Link failed its 2022 audit by the BIDEN administration. Imagine how bad things must have been for even Biden to have concerns about the org.

Audit:https://t.co/onwa5IK9oI https://t.co/QRz7D7gZTd pic.twitter.com/j0IbFGNl96

— cbustruth (@cbustruth) December 30, 2025

The organization, formed in 2020 to aid Somali residents during the pandemic, continued receiving public support, including state and local grants for community programs.

People in the comments sections under the posts called for investigations by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and accused city officials of corruption. They also suggested that mainstream Columbus news outlets refused to cover the story.

On its website, Somali Community Link said that its mission is to “improve the lives of Somali refugees and immigrants in advocacy, education, employment, and housing needs in central Ohio.”

Ginther recently said that government officials in Columbus would not assist federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who announced Operation Buckeye on Dec. 20.

“Columbus is proud to be a welcoming city. As federal immigration enforcement operations take place in our community, we want our immigrant neighbors to know you matter,” he wrote. “You contribute to our economy, our culture, and the vibrancy of our city. We have your back, today and always.”

Ginther was criticized by many people who support mass deportations, including Stephen Miller and Elon Musk.

“Why are you against ICE enforcing federal immigration laws in your city and making Columbus SAFE for all Ohioans?” ICE responded to Ginther.

Shortly after receiving the criticism, Ginther’s office released a statement saying that while the pro-immigration camp “choose name-calling, we are choosing to stay focused on the residents of Columbus.”

“Mayor Ginther remains committed to keeping Columbus safe for everyone who lives and works here,” Ginther’s office said in the statement. “Columbus will continue to be a city that follows laws and leads with humanity. Those principles are not in conflict; rather, they are the foundation of good governance.”