Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced he will not seek re-election, a decision made amidst intense scrutiny over a sprawling welfare fraud scandal centred on the state's Somali community. The move came just hours before his daughter, Hope Walz, publicly claimed her father was being politically targeted by conservatives.
Daughter Claims Political Vendetta Behind Scrutiny
Appearing on the One Hour Detours podcast on Monday, Hope Walz argued her father had become a primary target "because he has that national profile [and] Trump just hates him for some reason." She elaborated, stating, "I think it's because he's everything Trump will never be."
She suggested the former vice-presidential candidate's decision to step aside was partly to "kind of get that target off of Minnesota" as federal investigations into the fraud allegations escalate. Hope Walz contended that while there was truth to the fraud claims, political opponents had amplified them for gain.
The Scale of the Alleged Fraud
The scandal first gained national attention following investigations by independent journalist Nick Shirley into Minnesota daycares serving the Somali community. His reports, published on X, alleged centres were receiving substantial subsidies while appearing non-operational.
This sparked a significant federal response. Prosecutors have since detailed a massive scheme involving the Feeding Our Future programme, where 57 people are accused of billing $250 million for fictitious child meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities allege the stolen funds purchased luxury items like Lamborghinis and overseas property.
In a major development on December 18, US Attorney Joe Thompson announced that around $9 billion in federal Medicaid funds supporting 14 Minnesota programmes since 2018 may have been stolen. Of the 92 defendants charged across various schemes, prosecutors say 82 are of Somali origin.
Political Fallout and Federal Crackdown
The scandal has drawn direct intervention from the Trump administration. President Donald Trump ended Temporary Protected Status for Somali refugees, labelling Minnesota a "hub of fraudulent laundering activity." The Department of Homeland Security has initiated a deployment of roughly 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis to investigate.
White House officials have described the case as the "biggest theft of taxpayer dollars in US history," with Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller alleging state government complicity. Governor Walz has faced particular scrutiny after a photograph emerged showing him with Abdul Dahir Ibrahim, a Somali refugee charged in the scheme who has a prior fraud conviction in Canada.
In his retirement speech, Walz attacked both Trump and journalist Nick Shirley, accusing the President of "demonizing our Somali neighbours" and criticising "conspiracy theorist right-wing YouTubers." Conversely, Trump celebrated Walz's exit on Truth Social, claiming the Governor was "caught REDHANDED."
Hope Walz criticised the response, accusing the right of demonising communities and defending Minnesota's Somali population. The political drama is set to continue, with Walz expected to testify before the House Oversight Committee in Washington DC at a hearing concerning the "Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota."
