‘Cascade Of Systemic Failures’: Minnesota State Employees Blast Walz For ‘Massive Fraud’ In Social Services
Minnesota state workers have accused Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of taking full responsibility for the massive fraud that gutted the state’s social services programs, saying he retaliated against whistleblowers who tried to sound the alarm.
“Tim Walz is 100% responsible for massive fraud in Minnesota,” the employees wrote in a statement posted on social media. They described a “cascade of systemic failures” and alleged that Walz “systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using surveillance, threats, repression, and did his best to discredit reports of fraud.”
The charges come as federal prosecutors pursue cases involving more than $1 billion in public funds stolen in three separate schemes. Prosecutors have so far obtained 59 convictions for fraud related to pandemic feeding programs, housing assistance and autism therapy services. (RELATED: Trump ends protected status for Somalis in Minnesota due to ‘fraudulent’ and ‘terrorizing’ activities)
Tim Walz is 100% responsible for the massive fraud in Minnesota. We informed Tim Walz of the fraud early on, hoping for a partnership to stop the fraud, but no, we got the opposite response. Tim Walz systematically retaliated against whistleblowers using surveillance, threats, repression,… https://t.co/cEtbnuKmgn
– Minnesota Department of Human Services employees (@Minnesota_DHS) November 30, 2025
The whistleblowers claimed that agency leaders appointed by Walz “deliberately ignored rules and laws to keep silent about reports of fraud” and were “unqualified for their jobs, but instead obtained leadership positions through the friendship of Tim Walz.” Staff who witnessed fraud were “shut down, reassigned and told to keep quiet,” according to the statement.
The employees named several officials who they say escaped accountability, including Shireen Gandhi, Jess Geil, Jodi Harpstead, Natasha Merz and Eric Grumdahl.
Walz denied that concerns about racism allegations slowed his administration’s response. He told the New York Times that his administration “has been generous” during the pandemic and highlighted new fraud prevention measures.
President Donald Trump drew national attention to the scandal, calling Minnesota a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity” and Walz a “seriously retarded” in a Truth Social article. Asked by reporters if he stood by the remark, Trump replied: “Yes, there is something wrong with Walz. »
“Do you stand by this claim that Tim Walz is a retard?@POTUS: “Yeah, there’s something wrong with Walz.” 🤣 https://t.co/pA9dcj0fNw pic.twitter.com/DPHhv3mRpb
– Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 30, 2025
Whistleblowers said they are now calling on federal authorities for help. “We cannot fight fraud in Minnesota alone,” they wrote.
