Minnesota Whistleblower Allegations Spark Calls for Criminal Probe into Gov. Tim Walz

Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has announced plans for his House Oversight Committee to potentially recommend criminal charges against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison if ongoing whistleblower investigations are substantiated.

According to Comer, the committee is examining serious claims from government employees who assert that both officials were aware of significant social services fraud within their state but chose inaction “to avoid political fallout.” The whistleblower accounts detail a situation where fraud allegedly occurred, according to those involved. Comer emphasized potential criminal liability: “If what the whistleblowers are saying is true, and we can prove that… then I do see criminal charges being brought upon Gov. Walz.”

These allegations echo concerns raised by an organization representing 480 Minnesota Department of Human Services employees. The group has accused Walz’s administration not only of failing to address widespread social services fraud under his leadership but also of actively suppressing reports and retaliating against those seeking exposure.

The group specifically alleges that officials pressured staff to approve payments or ignore irregularities, particularly concerning contractors and organizations linked to political allies. They added: “We let Walz know about fraud early on, hoping for a partnership in stopping it… no, we got the opposite response.” The group further stated: “Tim Walz systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using monitoring, threats, repression, and did his best to discredit fraud reports.”

Comer stressed that Treasury oversight is also involved. His committee, alongside Treasury personnel, has requested comprehensive audits, internal correspondence, and financial records from relevant Minnesota agencies.

Despite discrepancies in reported figures, Comer noted substantial evidence already uncovered: at least $250 million in potentially improper or suspicious payments to date. He anticipates the total figure being significantly higher but initially estimated “that huge billion-dollar or more mark” for taxpayer losses overall.

The investigation’s scale has led Comer to suggest broader governmental vulnerabilities exist under Democrat administration leadership, specifically citing issues with social services programs in states they govern and the alleged refusal to enforce eligibility rules due to concerns over political constituents like immigrants. He commented: “…many systems are strained by… illegal immigration” as a contributing factor to neglecting fraud.

Comer concluded that Minnesota officials face accountability if whistleblower claims hold up; “The people that suffer the most are the American taxpayers.”