Tim Walz Admits Welfare State ‘Attracts Criminals,’ Dodges Blame For Fraud Problem

Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said his state “attracts criminals” when asked Sunday about rampant welfare fraud linked to Somali residents.

Walz deflected blame for more than $1 billion in taxpayer funds stolen through various state programs in a Sunday interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, instead taking credit for prosecutions of the crimes. Walz also said that people should not “demonize” Minnesota’s Somali population, which is disproportionately represented in the federal fraud cases, according to multiplereports.

Welker asked the failed 2024 vice presidential candidate if he takes responsibility for allowing taxpayer funds to be looted on such a large scale.

“Well, certainly, I take responsibility for putting people in jail,” Walz said. “Governors don’t get to just talk theoretically. We have to solve problems.”