President Donald Trump doubled down on his critique of Governor Tim Walz's management of widespread fraud within Minnesota's social services. During a press interaction aboard Air Force One, the President was questioned about his Thanksgiving Day statement, in which he used the term "seriously retarded" to describe the governor. President Trump confirmed his position, stating, “Yeah, I think there’s something wrong with him, absolutely, sure.”
The President's comments come in the wake of a series of fraud cases in Minnesota, involving over $1 billion of taxpayer funds. Federal prosecutors are actively pursuing convictions, having secured 59 to date, relating to pandemic relief programs and various assistance schemes. The most notable case involves the Feeding Our Future program, where an alleged $250 million was misappropriated from a federal child nutrition program.
In response to the growing scandal, more than 400 Minnesota Department of Human Services employees have publicly decried Governor Walz's actions, accusing him of ignoring and retaliating against whistleblowers. A statement from the employees was disseminated across social media platforms, detailing what they termed "a cascade of systemic failures." They charged that Governor Walz and his appointees stifled attempts to report fraudulent activity and that those who tried to raise concerns faced threats and professional repercussions.
Governor Walz has countered these allegations, labeling President Trump's language as "hurtful" and accusing him of "normalizing hateful behavior." In defense of his administration, Walz has acknowledged the state's charitable nature and its appeal to criminal elements, while also highlighting recent measures implemented to combat fraud.
The controversy has elevated Minnesota's fraud issues to a national conversation, with President Trump linking Governor Walz to perceived wider failures in immigration and public safety, particularly in Minneapolis. The state's whistleblowers are now seeking federal intervention, emphasizing the difficulty of combating fraud at the state level without additional support.
