Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joins other community members at Fleet Feet Marathon Sports before taking part in a Teddy Bear Run to show moral support for those impacted by the shooting at Annunciation Church that took place during a Mass for Catholic school children on August 27, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., September 2, 2025. REUTERS/Tim Evans
(Minnesota) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is facing intensified scrutiny and calls for his resignation after a viral video raised new questions about alleged taxpayer-fund fraud tied to state programs, part of a broader federal investigation that authorities describe as potentially involving billions of dollars.
The 42-minute video by independent journalist Nick Shirley, shared widely on X and YouTube, highlights apparently inactive childcare centers that received public funds, prompting critics to accuse state leadership of failing to prevent misuse of money intended for social services.
A spokesperson for Gov. Walz said “The governor has worked for years to crack down on fraud and ask 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,”
Federal investigators say up to half of the $18 billion granted to Minnesota since 2018 could have been stolen by fraudulent schemes, amounting to up to potentially $9 billion in theft.
Elon Musk posted on X that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz should be prosecuted, adding his voice to growing online criticism surrounding alleged fraud tied to state programs.
The FBI says it has surged additional personnel to investigate fraud in Minnesota, part of a broader effort to dismantle large-scale schemes exploiting federal programs. Walz’s office pushed back, saying the governor has expanded audits, closed high-risk programs, hired outside investigators, and supported criminal prosecutions. Federal authorities say 86 people have been charged so far, with 59 convictions, as investigations continue.
People across social media are urging Governor Tim Walz to resign and claiming him to be a pawn in a “Somali crime ring.”
