Newsom Faces Backlash for Supporting Walz Amid Welfare Scandal
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed support for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, but his endorsement has drawn criticism, particularly in light of ongoing allegations of a massive welfare fraud scandal.
On Monday, Newsom praised Walz in a social media update after Walz, a Democrat, stepped back from his re-election campaign amid allegations of fraud involving billions in welfare funds.
“Tim Walz represents character, strength, and compassion,” Newsom stated. He added that “Minnesota, and America, are better because of his lifetime of public service.”
Reactions to Newsom’s remarks came swiftly, with many questioning his choice to support Walz. Some critics warned that similar issues might soon emerge in California.
One social media user suggested that Newsom’s tweet could resurface during upcoming presidential debates, referencing expectations around his potential presidential run in 2028. Another user posted a humorous cartoon showing a sinking ship labeled “The USS Taxpayer,” indicating the severity of the situation.
Comments like “You are cut from the same cloth” suggested a strong connection between the two governors, while others poked fun, asking for a list of outdated things—implying Newsom’s praise was miscalibrated.
Walz had previously announced plans to run for a third term but withdrew amidst an investigation into whether billions were misallocated or stolen from social services. In a statement, he noted that time spent on his political defense detracted from addressing issues impacting Minnesotans.
The scrutiny heightened recently after a viral video showcased a vacant daycare center subsidized by taxpayers, raising questions about oversight within state programs. Critics primarily targeted Walz’s handling of these programs, especially those serving Minnesota’s Somali community.
Though Walz hasn’t faced accusations of wrongdoing himself, he is feeling the fallout from the scandal. Meanwhile, Newsom is dealing with issues in his own administration, notably surrounding his former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, who was arrested for allegedly attempting to embezzle funds from a defunct political campaign—a case she denied.
During this time, officials have reported that the Trump administration plans to cut over $10 billion in social services and child care funding in various Democratic-led states, citing concerns over fraud.
