Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) declared Tuesday that his House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform could ultimately recommend criminal charges against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, with the possibility of Attorney General Keith Ellison also facing scrutiny.
The committee is reviewing claims from government employees who describe a large-scale fraud scheme within Minnesota’s Department of Human Services under Walz’s administration. These whistleblowers allege that Walz and Ellison were aware of significant irregularities but chose inaction to avoid political fallout.
Comer indicated, “If what the whistleblowers are saying is true, and we can prove that, which shouldn’t be hard, then I do see criminal charges being brought upon Gov. Walz.”
These accusations align with those from a group representing over 480 Minnesota Department of Human Services employees. The group contends that officials were pressured to approve payments or disregard issues related to contractors associated with political allies.
The group asserted it informed Walz “early on about fraud, hoping for a partnership in stopping fraud but no, we got the opposite response.” They stated, “Tim Walz systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using monitoring, threats, repression, and did his best to discredit fraud reports.”
Comer confirmed that the Committee is requesting audits, internal communications, and financial records from Minnesota agencies. He noted that investigators already see evidence of at least $250 million in improper or suspicious payments.
“The people that suffer the most are the American taxpayers,” Comer stated unequivocally. “The Democratic governors, like Tim Walz, aren’t doing anything about it.”
