Governor Walz Steps Down Amid Fraud Allegations Crisis

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he won't seek a third term to focus on fraud allegations within the state's welfare system. The political crisis follows pressures from Trump's administration. Walz criticizes Republican attacks and aims to address the fraud issues with newly appointed investigative efforts.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Monday that he will not seek a third term. This decision comes as he prioritizes addressing allegations of fraud in the state's welfare system, a political crisis pressured by the Trump administration. Walz, known nationally since 2024 as Kamala Harris's running mate, criticized Republicans for their focused attacks.

The accusations, primarily involving nonprofit groups serving Minnesota's Somali community, have become a point of contention as federal prosecutors charged 56 individuals since 2022. Walz highlighted these fraud claims as a crisis demanding his attention while Republicans, according to him, unfairly target him and leverage the situation politically.

Despite the controversy, Walz expressed commitment to combating the issues, signing a new executive order for a dedicated investigative unit. He encouraged continued federal support while condemning the politicized narrative being driven against Minnesota and its immigrant communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)