Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, has spotlighted the serious political consequences facing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz amid rising public anger over significant welfare fraud involving the Somali community. On Fox Business, Hanson criticized Walz’s handling of the scandal, pointing to a marked disconnection between the governor’s defense and public sentiment.
Hanson emphasized that Walz’s remarks—claiming that Minnesota “attracts criminals”—reflect a troubling avoidance of accountability. Instead of owning the more than $1 billion in stolen funds, Walz seems to deflect blame. “I think people are sick of it,” said Hanson, noting that the rhetoric from Walz and his allies often ignores the gravity of the crimes. The sense of frustration may signal the beginning of the end for Walz’s political career, according to Hanson, who predicted grim prospects for the governor.
On the program “Kudlow,” guest host David Asman supported Hanson’s assessment, framing the fraud as a foreseeable result of the state’s policies blending open borders with generous welfare programs. Asman highlighted that these circumstances led to the exploitation of the welfare system on an unprecedented scale, further compounding the issues facing Walz’s administration.
Hanson pointed to Walz’s public defense as indicative of a leader unwilling to accept the reality of the situation. The governor’s excuse—that the success and reputation of the state attract criminals—has not resonated well with many. Such comments reflect a pattern of evasion that resonates poorly with voters who are concerned about accountability and fiscal responsibility.
In a related context, Representative Ilhan Omar, also a Democrat from Minnesota, has downplayed the issue, suggesting that accusations against the Somali community are racially motivated. Omar claims a majority of Somali migrants are not undocumented, arguing that they arrived in the U.S. as documented refugees and quickly obtained their green cards. This dismissal of fraud fears has also drawn criticism, contributing to the narrative that many feel the state’s leaders are not addressing substantial concerns head-on.
Whistleblowers within Minnesota’s state services have alleged that Walz has retaliated against those who tried to alert him to the fraud, further complicating his position. The pushback from internal sources suggests a growing discontent among those who serve under the governor. This discontent highlights that Walz’s leadership style and the decisions he has made could be alienating not just constituents but also those within his administration.
Former President Donald Trump has weighed in on the scandal, sharply criticizing Walz’s handling of the welfare crisis. In a post on Truth Social, Trump used pejorative language to describe the governor, signifying the stark national attention this issue has garnered. Trump’s promise to revoke federal protections for many Somalis reflects a broader political maneuvering that may have serious repercussions for Walz as he navigates these turbulent waters.
Moreover, reports indicating that some of the embezzled money may have funded the terrorist group Al-Shabaab have amplified the stakes. This connection deepens the urgency surrounding the fraud allegations, as Al-Shabaab is known for its violent attacks and plots against the U.S. Such associations can have far-reaching implications, not just for state welfare programs but also for national security.
In sum, the allegations against Walz paint a picture of a leader grappling with a growing scandal that could reshape his political future. Public dissatisfaction is mounting, driven by perceptions of neglect and evasion. If the current trajectory continues, Walz may find himself at a critical crossroads, facing mounting pressure from constituents, political opponents, and internal critics alike.
"*" indicates required fields
