Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is facing calls to resign amid mounting allegations of fraud in federal programs in the state.

Republican lawmakers at the state and federal level have called on the governor, who was the Democratic Party's vice presidential nominee in 2024, to resign.

Walz has defended himself, previously telling Newsweek that he has "worked for years to crack down on fraud."

Newsweek contacted Walz's office for further comment by an email sent outside normal business hours.

Why It Matters

Prosecutors have alleged that fraud schemes targeting Minnesota-run programs may cost the state billions of dollars. Many of the defendants charged so far have been Somali Americans, sparking cultural and political tensions. Some members of the community have warned that they have been stigmatized as a result of the ongoing cases.

The scandal could have serious ramifications on Walz's political standing. The two-term governor is running for reelection in 2026, but calls for his resignation could derail his campaign.

What To Know

Allegations of fraud have plagued Walz in recent weeks. On November 29, the X account @Minnesota_DHS, which says it represents 480 staff members at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, wrote, "Tim Walz is 100 percent responsible for massive fraud in Minnesota."

Earlier in December, the Justice Department announced new charges against the 78th defendant alleged to be involved in a nonprofit called Feeding Our Future. Prosecutors said the organization stole more than $250 million from a child nutrition program, leading to more than 50 convictions. According to a New York Times report, some of the fraud cases were linked to parts of Minnesota's Somali community.

The cases have resulted in calls for Walz to resign. On Sunday, a group of five Minnesota House and Senate Republicans released a joint statement saying, "For the good of the state, Gov. Walz should step aside."

State Representative Kristin Robbins, a Minnesota Republican who is running for governor, told Fox News' The Will Cain Show that Walz's "dereliction of duty is unconscionable" and that he should resign.

Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee wrote on X: "It's absurd for @Tim_Walz to dismiss the corruption that happened right under his nose. He should resign. Minnesotans deserve better."

The X user @GuntherEagleman, a conservative political commentator with 1.6 million followers, wrote, "Tim Walz should resign in disgrace!"

Republican Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, who serves as majority whip in the U.S. House, said of Walz on Fox News' Hannity: "He should resign. He's a total embarrassment." Emmer added, "We've been trying to sound the alarm on this for the past three years."

Minnesota's acting U.S. attorney has said $9 billion or more in federal funds may have been stolen since 2018. The Associated Press, citing the U.S. Attorney's Office for Minnesota, reported that as of December 19, Somali Americans made up 89 percent of those who had been charged in connection with the fraud cases.

In November, when asked whether he took responsibility for not stopping the fraud, Walz told NBC's Meet the Press, "Well, certainly, I take responsibility for putting people in jail."

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social in November: "Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota. ... Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both."

Governor Tim Walz's office said in a previous statement to Newsweek: "The Governor has worked for years to crack down on fraud and asked the state legislature for more authority to take aggressive action. He has strengthened oversight—including launching investigations into these specific facilities, one of which was already closed. He has hired an outside firm to audit payments to high-risk programs, shut down the Housing Stabilization Services program entirely, announced a new statewide program integrity director, and supported criminal prosecutions."

What Happens Next

FBI Director Kash Patel said on Sunday that the agency had deployed personnel and resources to Minnesota "to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs."

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