House Committee Subpoenas Former Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Over Pandemic Relief Fraud

A bipartisan US House committee, led by Republicans, has issued a subpoena to former Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, seeking documents and communications related to a significant fraud scheme involving the misuse of pandemic relief funds meant to feed children. The investigation focuses on the actions of a non-profit organization that allegedly siphoned off more than $250 million in federal funds designated for child nutrition programs.

Key Figures and Scope of the Investigation

NBC News first reported that subpoenas were sent to several key officials, including Walz, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Education Willie Jett, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong. The House committee, chaired by Republican Representative Virginia Foxx, is investigating the US Department of Agriculture’s oversight of federal child nutrition programs and the role of Minnesota’s Department of Education, which is responsible for implementing and monitoring these programs in the state.

The non-profit organization at the center of the controversy, Feeding Our Future, is accused of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme by exploiting federal funds intended to support child nutrition during the pandemic. In total, 70 individuals have been charged with the scam, with five convicted earlier this year. One of the more dramatic moments in the trial involved an attempt to bribe a juror with $120,000 in cash.

Committee Demands Accountability

In a letter to Walz, the committee expressed concerns over his administration’s failure to detect the fraud, which occurred under his leadership as governor. Foxx emphasized the scheme’s scale, writing, “You are well aware of the multimillion-dollar fraud that has occurred under your tenure as governor.”

Walz has been subpoenaed to provide relevant documents, including financial records, communications with Feeding Our Future, and any reports or audits related to the child nutrition programs, by September 18. However, he is not required to appear in person before the committee. The investigation spotlights his administration’s handling of federal funds and raises questions about the Minnesota Department of Education’s effective oversight of such programs.

Walz’s Defense

A spokesperson for Walz described the case as “an appalling abuse of a federal Covid-era program” and credited the Minnesota Department of Education and the FBI for working together to expose and prosecute those involved. Walz has defended the state’s efforts but acknowledged that improvements in oversight are needed. A state audit revealed gaps in the department’s supervision, which “created opportunities for fraud,” according to the report.

“There’s not a single state employee that was implicated in doing anything illegal. They didn’t do as much due diligence as they should’ve,” Walz admitted in response to the audit’s findings.

Ongoing Scrutiny

The committee claims that the Minnesota Department of Education’s voluntary document requests have not yielded sufficient responses. Foxx’s letter criticized the department for failing to provide substantive materials related to the investigation.

As Walz gains prominence in national politics, primarily as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, his handling of this fraud case draws renewed scrutiny. The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact his political career. His office has yet to respond formally to the committee’s demands.

This case unfolds as the deadline for turning over documents approaches, keeping the public in suspense about the potential revelations.