Former Minnesota Governor Accuses Walz Administration of Deliberate Fraud Cover-Up in Child Care Programs
FILE - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing, June 12, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has stated that a yearslong trail of audit warnings and whistleblower complaints demonstrates the Walz administration’s deliberate sluggish response to alleged fraud within Minnesota child care and social service programs.
Pawlenty noted that nonpartisan audits conducted since 2018 consistently revealed deficiencies in financial controls and potential fraud.
“There were whistleblowers highlighting actual fraud and this administration was undeniably slow to respond,” he said.
He accused the Walz administration of employing a “shoot the messenger mentality” and cited numerous examples where officials refused cooperation with investigations, “looking the other way.”
Walz has claimed ignorance regarding the alleged fraud and stated he is working to investigate the matter, though he has suggested scrutiny stems from racism.
Pawlenty emphasized accountability must apply equally regardless of community background. “We shouldn’t stigmatize people because they’re in a particular group, but we also shouldn’t excuse or look the other way because they’re in a particular group,” he said.
Pawlenty further alleged political considerations influenced the administration’s response, specifically noting Somalis constitute a significant portion of Minnesota’s Democratic voting bloc.
The case is set for two House Oversight Committee hearings: one scheduled for Wednesday featuring three Republican Minnesota state representatives, and another in early February when Walz and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison are invited to testify.
Minnesota State Sen. Mark Currin confirmed lawmakers were alerted to concerns involving the Child Care Assistance Program years ago but admitted the state failed to act. “When these things were brought to them, they still failed to act,” he said.
Pawlenty reiterated that attempts to discredit those raising concerns distract from the underlying fraud allegations and potential financial losses. “The total number they’re tracking is $18 billion, but they believe the number will be $9 billion,” he stated.
He concluded: “Let’s just look at the real problem, which is there’s a heck of a lot of fraud in my state, Minnesota, which makes me sad and makes me furious.”
