JD Vance accused of ‘political stunt’ after referring Tim Walz for Minnesota fraud investigation
House report alleged governor and state attorney general knew of ‘widespread taxpayer fraud’ in social programs
TL;DR
- Vice President JD Vance referred Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to the Department of Justice for investigation into alleged inaction and retaliation over fraud schemes.
- A House oversight committee report claims Walz and Ellison were aware of "widespread taxpayer fraud" in social programs and "repeatedly failed to act," also alleging retaliation against whistleblowers.
- Ellison described the referral as a "political stunt" and denied the allegations, stating the report contains no evidence of him or his office ignoring fraud claims.
- Walz's office called the committee's attacks "political retribution" and highlighted the administration's actions against fraud, including referencing a $250m fraud scheme involving Feeding Our Future.
- The allegations have become a focus for the Trump administration, with the Justice Department also reportedly investigating Walz, Ellison, and local officials for hindering immigration enforcement.