Politicians can’t take it when they’ve been bested. They’ll do anything to stay in office.
And now a top Democrat is clinging to power as resignation rumors swirl.
Walz’s Stubborn Refusal to Step Down
In the wake of abandoning his campaign for a third term, Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz has defiantly rejected demands from Republican legislators to resign, even as a colossal fraud scandal continues to tarnish his administration.
Walz declared, “I’m not going anywhere. And you can make all your requests for me to resign. Over my dead body will that happen.”
He didn’t hold back in criticizing President Donald Trump and state Republicans, warning, “Expect for the next 11 months for me to ride you like you’ve never been ridden, to make sure that you’re doing your job.” This comes amid mounting backlash from both sides of the aisle over his oversight failures in what has become one of the biggest welfare fraud cases in U.S. history, raising questions about his leadership in a state once known for its clean governance.
Walz acknowledged his role, saying, “the buck stops with me. I’m accountable for this. And because of that accountability, I’m not running for office again. I have a year to continue to improve on a record that I think will stand up against anybody’s, a record that has made Minnesota better.”
Yet, his decision to bow out of the 2026 race follows intense scrutiny that has exposed deep vulnerabilities in his tenure, with the scandal erupting into national headlines.
Unraveling the Billion-Dollar Fraud Debacle
The controversy centers on a sprawling scheme that exploited COVID-relief programs, with over 90 individuals—predominantly from Minnesota’s Somali population—facing charges since 2022 in what federal officials call the largest pandemic-related fraud operation nationwide.
The total losses are still under investigation, but estimates from the U.S. attorney’s office suggest the theft could surpass $1 billion and potentially climb as high as $9 billion, involving fake claims in meal programs, housing aid, daycare operations, and Medicaid services.
Authorities allege that those who have pleaded guilty funneled the ill-gotten gains into extravagant purchases like high-end vehicles, properties, jewelry, and lavish trips abroad, with some funds reportedly transferred overseas and possibly linked to terrorist groups.
Walz admitted last month, “This is on my watch, I am accountable for this and, more importantly, I am the one that will fix it.”
Despite halting some suspicious payouts and commissioning an external audit of Medicaid practices, critics argue these steps came too late, allowing the fraud to balloon under his watch. President Trump has lambasted Walz as “incompetent” and even resorted to derogatory language during Thanksgiving remarks.
The issue gained explosive traction recently after a viral video from 23-year-old YouTuber Nick Shirley highlighted alleged abuses at Somali-operated daycares, prompting the Trump administration to suspend federal childcare funds to the state.
Walz countered by accusing the federal government, stating, “We are under assault like no other time in our state’s history because of a petty, vile administration that doesn’t care about the well-being of Minnesotans. My job is to protect the well-being of Minnesotans.”
Shifting Political Landscape and Succession Speculation
As the scandal’s repercussions ripple through Minnesota politics, some Democrats are eyeing U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar as a potential successor, with sources confirming she’s fielding encouragement to enter the gubernatorial race following her 2024 Senate reelection.
Walz recently met with Klobuchar to discuss his withdrawal, later telling reporters, “I spoke with a lot of key allies. … And Sen. Klobuchar was one of those conversations.” Optimistic about Democratic prospects, he added, “I think that we have a very deep bench.”
While Walz promotes initiatives like the state’s new family leave policy, the ongoing fraud firestorm casts a long shadow, potentially complicating his final months in office and underscoring the challenges his party faces in retaining control amid perceptions of mismanagement.
