Governor Tim Walz strongly rebutted President Trump’s recent accusations of “incompetence” and inaction over a major fraud scandal tied to his state. In a Nov. 30 interview on “Meet the Press,” Walz insisted his administration is prosecuting criminals — but stopped short of accepting full responsibility for systemic oversight failures.
The controversy centers on the so‑called Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, in which federal prosecutors allege more than $250 million was stolen from a child‑nutrition program. Over 50 individuals — many from Minnesota’s Somali community — have already been convicted; the latest charges target the 78th defendant.
President Trump attacked Walz via a Truth Social post, accusing him of “fear” and “incompetence,” while claiming Minnesota has become overrun with “Somalian gangs.”
In his response, Walz said he does take responsibility “for putting people in jail,” pointing out that crimes — not the people’s nationality — determine guilt. He called the president’s remarks a harmful generalization of an entire community for the wrongdoing of a few.
Walz defended Minnesota’s record by citing the state’s AAA bond rating and long-standing social‑service programs. He argued fraud happens when any government attracts criminals — regardless of background — and that Minnesota is committed to enforcement, not scapegoating.
The governor also condemned Trump’s use of a derogatory slur in describing him. He called the language harmful and said it reflects a broader trend of using hateful rhetoric for political distraction rather than accountability.
This exchange highlights growing tension between calls for accountability for fraud and politically charged rhetoric on immigration and community identity — a debate that resonates deeply with conservative Americans concerned about both law enforcement and community cohesion.
