This was shocking to see.
One day after announcing he would abandon his re-election campaign, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz publicly rejected calls to resign, even as his administration remains under intense scrutiny for a massive taxpayer fraud scandal.
Walz made the remarks while answering questions from reporters for the first time since ending his bid for an unprecedented third term as governor.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Walz said firmly. “You can ask me to resign all you want. That’s not going to happen.”
The governor’s decision to step aside from the race comes amid growing bipartisan criticism over his handling of what federal authorities have described as one of the largest COVID-era fraud cases in U.S. history. The investigation centers on alleged abuse of public welfare, food assistance, childcare, and Medicaid programs funded by taxpayers.
Despite withdrawing from the election, Walz adopted a combative tone toward both President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers in Minnesota.
Addressing GOP legislators directly, Walz warned that he plans to aggressively challenge them during the remainder of his term.
“For the next 11 months, I will make sure you are doing your job,” he said.
At the same time, the governor acknowledged that the scandal unfolded under his leadership.
“The buck stops with me,” Walz stated. “I am accountable for what happened. That’s why I’m not running again.”
Walz argued that he still has time to defend his record, claiming Minnesota improved during his tenure. Republicans, however, dispute that assessment and say the scope of the fraud raises serious questions about oversight failures inside state government.
Federal prosecutors say more than 90 individuals have been charged since 2022, many linked to nonprofit organizations, daycare centers, and service providers. According to investigators, the alleged scheme involved fraudulent claims tied to food programs, housing assistance, childcare services, and Medicaid billing.
While the full financial impact is still being calculated, federal officials estimate the losses could exceed $1 billion, with some projections reaching several billion dollars.
Court filings allege that some defendants used taxpayer funds to purchase luxury vehicles, expensive real estate, jewelry, and international travel. Prosecutors have also stated that portions of the money were transferred overseas, raising additional concerns now under federal review.
“This happened on my watch,” Walz said previously. “And I take responsibility for fixing it.”
In response, Walz ordered an outside audit of Medicaid billing practices and moved to halt certain payments. Critics argue those steps came only after the scandal had already spiraled out of control.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized Walz’s leadership, accusing the governor of incompetence and pointing to Minnesota as an example of failed oversight under Democratic control.
Public attention intensified after a widely shared online video alleged widespread fraud at several daycare facilities. Shortly afterward, the Trump administration froze federal childcare funding to Minnesota pending further investigation.
Walz responded by accusing the administration of targeting Minnesota unfairly, saying his priority is protecting state residents.
Meanwhile, political observers report growing pressure within Democratic circles for U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar to consider a run for governor. Sources say Walz recently met with Klobuchar to discuss his decision to exit the race.
“I spoke with many key allies,” Walz said. “Senator Klobuchar was one of those conversations.”
Despite the ongoing controversy, Walz expressed confidence that Democrats will retain control of the governor’s office.
Republicans counter that voters deserve answers — and that accountability in Minnesota is far from settled.