Just days after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison questioned whether Republican challenger Ron Schutz’s personal stock holdings could create conflicts involving companies the attorney general’s office is suing, a 2025 CNN investigation is getting renewed attention.
And this time, the questions about potential conflicts are being directed at Ellison.
A 2025 CNN investigation examined luxury overseas trips taken by state attorneys general — including Ellison — through the Attorney General Alliance (AGA), a nonprofit that “largely relies on donations from companies to fund its trips,” according to CNN. The travel included five-star hotels, expensive airfare and excursions ranging from African safaris to wine tours.
When CNN investigative correspondent Kyung Lah confronted Ellison about the trips, he defended them as “real work,” accused reporters of trying to embarrass public officials over travel and eventually had enough of the questioning.
“I’d like to end the conversation right there. Thank you,” Ellison said as he walked away.
Now, the footage — and the scrutiny — has found new life in Minnesota’s 2026 attorney general race, where potential conflicts of interest have suddenly become a campaign issue after Ellison himself raised concerns about his opponent just days earlier.
Republican operative Dustin Grage shared the clip, accusing Ellison of accepting “lavish overseas trips paid for by corporate lobbyists.”
🚨 BREAKING: Keith Ellison was just EXPOSED by CNN for taking lavish overseas trips paid for by corporate lobbyists.
– Five-star hotels
– First-class flights
– African safari tours
– AND MOREEllison appears visibly upset that they’re even asking about the trips. He abruptly… pic.twitter.com/i69ZTuuANN
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) October 5, 2026
Five-star hotels, safaris and wine tours
Ellison was among more than a dozen attorneys general from both parties who traveled to South Africa in 2023 on an AGA trip. The trip included meetings on topics such as cybersecurity and international relations.
But it wasn’t all conference rooms and PowerPoints.
CNN reported the itinerary also featured a safari, wine tours, gourmet restaurants serving Wagyu steaks and a stay at a five-star hotel.
Costs were covered for attorneys general, including a flight allowance of up to $26,000, according to CNN.
And attorneys general weren’t the only ones invited. Corporate lobbyists and lawyers representing some of America’s largest companies — including Amazon, Uber, Pfizer and Albertsons — were also on the guest list.
Some of those same companies have been sued or investigated by the attorneys general attending the events.
CNN specifically highlighted Amazon, noting that Ellison’s office was participating in a multistate lawsuit against the company at the same time an Amazon representative was invited on the South Africa trip.
Ellison gets pressed
When Lah caught up with Ellison at a public event, she asked him a straightforward question: Why participate in international trips sponsored by corporate lobbyists?
Ellison initially pointed to international issues facing attorneys general, including fentanyl coming from Mexico.
CNN noted that Ellison did not mention South Africa during that portion of his response. Then his tone shifted.
“I understand how this game is played,” Ellison said. “I mean, us reporters and politicians always, ‘Oh, you went on a trip,’ and try to embarrass the politician.”
Ellison said there was “real work” being done on the trips that was important for constituents and argued that attorneys general need relationships with international partners in a globalized world.
Lah attempted to interject.
“Well, the concern from —”
“I get it,” Ellison responded.
Lah clarified: “Ethics.”
Ellison continued defending the programs, saying his constituents would be at a disadvantage without “meaningful conversations with international partners.”
Then he shut down the interview.
“I’d like to end the conversation right there. Thank you,” Ellison said.
As Lah thanked him for his time, Ellison responded, “Yeah. Whatever.”
CNN reported that Ellison’s office had not responded to two previous emails seeking information about his AGA travel before Lah approached him in person.
Old footage, new political fight
Fast-forward to Minnesota’s attorney general race.
Ellison is seeking a third term against Schutz, a Republican attorney and Army veteran.
During an Oct. 2 MPR News debate, Ellison zeroed in on Schutz’s personal investment portfolio. MPR News reported that Schutz owns more than $1.74 million in individual stocks, including holdings in Amazon, Uber and Exxon Mobil — companies involved in litigation with Minnesota.
Ellison argued those investments could raise questions about Schutz’s ability to handle such cases if elected.
“If you’re the attorney general of the state of Minnesota, you should be able to sue these companies unencumbered,” Ellison said. “The public should not have to wonder if Mr. Schutz is not suing because he owns that stock or he’s involved with that company.”
Schutz said his investments are professionally managed and pledged to divest from companies involved in litigation with Minnesota if elected.
However, neither Schutz nor moderator Brian Bakst brought up Ellison’s travel through the AGA or CNN’s investigation into corporate-funded trips attended by attorneys general.
Ellison’s office did not respond to Alpha News’ questions about his AGA travel, including its cost and policies governing corporate-funded trips.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
