Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) delivered a scathing takedown of Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, his administration, and even local media outlets during comments captured on video in a clip that is now going viral all across social media. The central focus of Emmer’s statements revolve around the discovery of massive fraud in the state’s Medicaid program, child care funding, and other various programs that have resulted in billions of taxpayer dollars going for practically anything other than their intended purpose.
Emmer kicked off his statement by saying, “Good riddance to Gov. Walz, but he cannot escape accountability for the estimated $9 billion in fraud.” The Minnesota congressman then went on to detail how this fraud against the people of Minnesota was allowed to happen. “How did this happen?” Emmer asked. “And where the hell is the Twin Cities media been?”
Continuing, the congressman lambasted The Star Tribune for their lack of media coverage concerning the fraud being perpetrated in the state, saying, the publication is “complicit” due to knowing about the story for years and doing nothing to help hold government officials accountable. “They’ve had this story for years, as you just heard, and they have refused to report anything on it.”
Emmer continued his very deserved rebuke of the Star Tribune, going on to say, “In fact, they continue to try to cover up. Our Minnesota Republican colleagues have demanded answers and accountability for years but have seen nothing from Walz, his administration, our Democratic colleagues like Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar, Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, or the worthless Star Tribune.”
The Minnesota Republican wrapped up his comments by thanking President Donald Trump. “Thank God for President Donald J. Trump for finally bringing attention to this issue.” On January 5, 2026, Gov. Tim Walz announced that he would be dropping out of his reelection bid for the governor seat after getting walloped by heavy criticism over his handling of the massive welfare assistance fraud that he has allowed to continue under his watch.
According to Fox News, Walz said in his announcement, “As I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all. Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences.”
“So I’ve decided to step out of this race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work in front of me for the next year,” Walz said in front of cameras just a few hours later. During the announcement, Walz refused to take questions. Rather than take full responsibility for the scandal ripping his state apart, Walz chose to point the finger at the GOP, saying, “The political gamesmanship we’re seeing from Republicans is only making that fight harder to win.”
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Over 90 people, most hailing from the state’s Somali community, have been charged since 2022 in what is now being described as the country’s largest COVID-era scheme. The amount of money squandered and stolen through alleged money laundering operations involving fraudulent meal and housing programs, daycare centers, and Medicaid services has risen to $9 billion.