House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have launched an investigation into alleged fraud tied to a COVID-era food-assistance program in Minnesota during Gov. Tim Walz’s administration. Investigators are also examining claims that some federal funds may have been diverted to extremist groups. The inquiry follows the high-profile Feeding Our Future case, which has produced multiple convictions and intensified federal scrutiny of how Minnesota handled reimbursements involving state-funded nonprofits.
Comer said the committee “will conduct a thorough investigation into Governor Walz’s failure to safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
Concerns about state oversight have been amplified by findings from the Minnesota Legislative Auditor, who reported that the Department of Education allegedly allowed fraud to occur and failed to maintain adequate controls over program payments. The FBI later raided the nonprofit at the center of the controversy, which ultimately dissolved.
Republican members of the committee indicated Comer could pursue records through subpoenas and, if warranted, refer possible criminal conduct to prosecutors.
A whistleblower—claiming to speak on behalf of Department of Human Services staff—also alleged that employees raised red flags early and were met with retaliation. The whistleblower said, “We let Tim Walz know of fraud early on, hoping for a partnership in stopping fraud but no, we got the opposite response.”
The whistleblower further alleged, “Tim Walz systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using monitoring, threats, repression, and did his best to discredit fraud reports. Instead of partnership, we got the full weight of retaliation.”
Walz, for his part, said his office welcomed federal help and argued that those responsible should face prosecution. He also criticized former President Donald Trump’s approach, saying, “Donald Trump: Deflect, demonize, come up with no solutions. He’s not going to help fix anything on fraud.” Walz added, “My God, there’s a big difference between fraud and corruption. And corruption is something he knows about.”
Walz said, “My message is simple on this. You commit fraud in Minnesota, you’re going to prison. I don’t care what color you are, what religion you are. Anybody who wants to help us in that, we welcome that.”
