Eric Holder, the former Democratic Attorney General during Barack Obama’s presidency, played a pivotal role in positioning Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee for 2024. However, a significant fraud scandal subsequently overshadowed Walz’s campaign.
“I believe our review team covered everything,” Holder remarked in an October 2024 CNN interview, coinciding with the federal election’s final day.
Walz is currently enmeshed in a wide-ranging fraud investigation tied to alleged money laundering linked to food and housing programs, child care centers, and Medicaid services. Prosecutors estimate the fraudulent activities could reach as high as $9 billion. Many of those charged in connection with the case are from Minnesota’s Somali community.
This scandal prompted Walz to forgo a bid for a third term as governor.
Vance criticizes Walz as a ‘joke,’ asserting his role in the fraud
Despite admitting that the scandal was significant, Walz contended that Republicans and the Trump administration are exaggerating the allegations. At a recent press conference, he defiantly stated that he would not resign, declaring, “It’ll happen over my dead body.”
Walz, who previously gained national attention by running for the presidency after years in politics—including a congressional tenure from 2007 to 2019—was relatively unknown until the notion of his candidacy surfaced.
Kamala Harris, then-Vice President, had put Holder in charge of vetting candidates for a running mate during the 2024 election cycle. Holder, a close ally of Obama, previously oversaw the selection of Joe Biden as the vice presidential nominee in 2008.
While vetting Harris’s potential running mates, Holder noted that Walz was not initially a top contender, although he did advocate for universal free meal programs for K-12 students in Minnesota. He highlighted Walz’s significant achievements, which led to a rise in his candidate profile. According to KSTP, Holder assessed Walz’s media interactions positively, indicating he was well-received.
“The chemistry I observed between Kamala Harris and Tim Walz was genuine,” Holder expressed, suggesting that both his track record and personal rapport contributed to his position as a running mate.
According to a source familiar with Walz’s vetting, the fraud investigation was under consideration during the selection process, as details had already emerged during Walz’s 2022 reelection campaign.
“The Governor’s Department of Education has been engaged with the FBI regarding a group misappropriating funds meant for child nutrition,” the official explained, noting this didn’t significantly affect the 2024 presidential campaign.
Blagojevich urges Walz to ‘fight,’ claiming it will reflect poorly on him
Walz’s elevation to a national candidate has drawn attention to several past controversies, including disputes over his military service and inaccuracies regarding his involvement in the 2020 Minnesota riots, criticisms that Republicans have eagerly highlighted as they challenge his candidacy.
The 2024 election cycle was marked by unexpected changes, including Biden’s withdrawal amid health issues and assassination attempts aimed at Trump.
Holder defended the vetting process, asserting Walz is authentic and accomplished as Minnesota’s governor, indicating he could serve effectively as vice president.
Comer claims Walz ‘retaliated against’ whistleblower for years
Walz has faced accusations of participation in the Minnesota fraud scheme, with some blaming him for not recognizing the issues earlier. Vice President J.D. Vance stated during a press briefing that Walz should resign, citing his alleged awareness of the fraudulent activities.
‘You won’t get a promotion’: GOP opponent urges Peggy Flanagan to step back from Senate race if Walz resigns
In January, federal authorities intensified investigations in Minneapolis related to the fraud scandal. An incident involving a shooting and an attempt to harm immigration agents drew sharp criticism from Democrats, with some labeling it a “murder.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to both Walz’s and Obama’s offices regarding the vetting process amid the fraud investigation but has not yet received a response.
