Vance Responds to Walz Over Welfare Fraud Raids
Vice President J.D. Vance reacted sharply on Wednesday to Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who recently claimed credit for raids targeting facilities allegedly involved in welfare fraud linked to the Somali community in the state.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that multiple locations were involved, including the Quality Learning Center, which became well-known following an incident on December 26. An independent journalist, Nick Shirley, shared video footage of the raid that took place on Tuesday as part of a broader federal investigation into fraudulent activities. Walz attempted to take ownership of the situation, a move that drew significant mockery on social media.
Vance commented during an appearance on Fox News, stating, “This is like an arsonist trying to claim credit for the work of the fire department. Tim Walz allowed this fraud to happen under his watch. I’m not sure if he was directly involved or just ignoring it, but we didn’t receive any meaningful support from his office.” He added that the main assistance came from local law enforcement officers who were assigned to a federal task force. “All the credit goes to the people on the ground — the federal employees, the state workers who are dedicated to exposing this fraud,” Vance emphasized.
A spokesperson for Vance noted that the task force has seen remarkable success in tackling fraud nationwide, stating, “The President’s fight against fraud is making a difference, and the task force, along with the entire Trump administration, is committed to uncovering those who have scammed the American people out of billions.”
Walz recently announced that he would not seek a third term, just days after Shirley released a video discussing daycare centers in Somalia. Federal estimates from December revealed that over $9 billion might have been misappropriated from various welfare programs, describing the situation as “industrial-scale” fraud.
In November, amidst allegations that the proceeds from these schemes were funneled to the Somalia-based terrorist group al-Shabaab, President Donald Trump ended “temporary protected status” for Somalis in Minnesota.
