Tim Walz Accepts Responsibility for Minnesota Fraud, Cites Decision Not to Seek Re-election

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has stated he takes responsibility for the mishandling of fraud within the state, a factor that contributed to his decision not to seek a third term as governor. In a recent interview on "The Lever" podcast, Walz acknowledged that his administration should have acted sooner to prevent the fraud, though he also asserted that he lacked the independent authority to halt payments without legislative action.

Walz characterized the fraud allegations as a "gift" to Republicans, suggesting they would use it to attack social programs and undermine faith in government. "The amount of fraud, like I said, $1 is too much, but the amount that has been prosecuted, and people put in jail, is less than what [President Donald Trump] is asking for his ballroom," Walz said, also referencing criticisms from the Trump administration.

He further elaborated, "It's one of the reasons I accept responsibility for that. I think, you know, I had decided, probably after the murder of Melissa Hortman, certainly before Christmas, that we weren't going to run again because I said, ‘They're going to use this to attack others and to attack the system.’"

Walz pointed to the nature of fraud in pandemic relief programs, noting that "every state has this. Most states have far more than this." He criticized the Trump administration's approach, suggesting it was politically motivated. "‘Blame Somalis.’ ‘Blame the guy who ran against me.’ ‘Blame this prosperous state that pays more money in than not and let's punish them.’ But that doesn't excuse that. Should we do more? Yes. Were there things that we should have closed back doors sooner? Yes. I mean, it happened. Now we know other states are learning from us."

He added, "The problem with fraud and corruption, both of them undermine faith in government, and that plays right into Republicans' hands. Do they like fraud? I would argue they do because it undermines federal. It makes a reason to cut these programs. They hate these programs that feed children. They hate these programs that, you know, work with autistic children. So, man, what a gift to them. ‘See, they don't work. It's tax dollars. Let's close them down.’"

However, critics have pushed back against Walz's explanations. Julian Epstein, former chief counsel for House Judiciary Democrats, told Fox News Digital that Walz's statements "insult our intelligence." Epstein argued that the governor possesses sufficient authority to stop payments upon evidence of fraud and to refer such evidence to prosecutors. "The reality here is that this systemic fraud seemed to be going on for over a decade with officials like Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan doing almost nothing about it," Epstein stated, raising questions about whether officials turned a blind eye due to political considerations.

Theo Wold, another former chief counsel for House Judiciary Democrats, also commented on the interview, stating, "They were in charge while foreigners and criminals pilfered billions in public funds, and Democrats let it all happen. Now they deflect and blame Republicans. You can’t make it make sense." Wold added, "Republicans want government to work for American citizens. Democrats like Tim Walz prefer broken bureaucracy and wasteful programs because they know that is how to keep the fraud benefiting foreign nations hidden and their friends rich."