Walz Dodges Accountability as Somali Fraud Scandal Explodes in Minnesota

As the Feeding Our Future fraud case continues to unravel in Minnesota, with over $250 million stolen from federal child nutrition programs and more than 50 convictions already secured, one thing remains clear Governor Tim Walz refuses to take responsibility.

Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Walz lashed out at President Donald Trump rather than addressing his own administration’s failure to prevent what is now being described as one of the largest pandemic-era fraud schemes in the country.

The Justice Department charged the 78th defendant last week, part of a widespread network that funneled taxpayer money meant to feed children into luxury cars, overseas vacations, and shell companies much of it traced back to fraud rings within Minnesota’s Somali refugee community.

President Trump didn’t hold back. In a Truth Social post, he wrote:

“Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota. Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for ‘prey’ as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone.”

He called out Walz directly, accusing him of doing nothing “either through fear, incompetence,” and vowed to terminate protected status for Somali nationals, citing “fraudulent money laundering activity.”

Instead of addressing the real security and oversight failures that led to this disgrace, Walz played the victim, brushing off Trump’s criticism as a “badge of honor” and claiming:

“Minnesota is a generous state, a prosperous state, a well-run state… that attracts criminals.”

That’s a stunning admission. A well-run state that ‘attracts criminals’? That’s not a selling point, Governor. That’s a crisis.

Rather than apologize to the families whose children were robbed of services programs meant to help children with autism, fight hunger, and provide housing Walz chose to defend the refugee community involved in the fraud.

“To demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it’s lazy,” he said.

But this isn’t just “a few.” According to The New York Times, what started as a pandemic-era scandal has ballooned into a five-year pattern of systemic fraud involving millions of dollars siphoned from state programs. Allegedly, dozens of fraudulent companies billed for services that were never delivered, exploiting programs designed to help vulnerable children.

This is about accountability, not “demonizing.”

• $250+ million stolen from taxpayer-funded child programs.

• Over 50 convictions and more on the way.

• Alleged perpetrators overwhelmingly tied to the Somali community welcomed under Minnesota’s generous refugee policies.

Even when pressed directly by NBC’s Kristen Welker about his responsibility in stopping this fraud, Walz pivoted to blaming Trump and attacking his language. Not once did he take ownership of the systemic oversight failures or the lack of proper vetting for groups receiving state funds.

“We have fought three decades to get [Trump’s language] out of our schools,” Walz deflected. “He’s not a good human being.”

That may play well in the liberal echo chambers of Minneapolis, but it does nothing for the Minnesotan taxpayers who footed the bill or the children who were supposed to benefit from these programs.

In contrast, Trump has made it clear what he would do:

• Permanently pause migration from Third World countries where vetting is unreliable.

• Deport foreign nationals who are public charges or threats to American communities.

• End protected status for refugees engaged in fraud or affiliated with criminal networks.

While Walz clings to slogans and deflects blame, Trump is offering solutions.

And let’s not forget: this didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Biden administration’s open-door immigration policies, combined with progressive states like Minnesota throwing out common-sense safeguards, created the perfect environment for exploitation on a massive scale.

This isn’t about xenophobia it’s about the basic rule of law, protecting taxpayer funds, and ensuring that American children not scammers receive the help they need.

It’s time to stop pretending this is just a political issue. This is a public safety, economic, and moral failure of leadership. And until someone takes real responsibility, the fraud will continue and the people of Minnesota will keep paying the price.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to stay informed on government fraud and accountability.