House Republicans have issued a subpoena to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, over his administration's handling of taxpayer funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subpoena centers on a $250 million fraud scheme by a Minnesota-based nonprofit called Feeding Our Future, which is accused of defrauding a federal program intended to feed hungry children.
House Republicans have launched an investigation into the administration of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, over its handling of taxpayer funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation centers on a $250 million fraud scheme by a Minnesota-based nonprofit called Feeding Our Future, which is accused of defrauding a federal program intended to feed hungry children.
The House Education and Workforce Committee, led by Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), issued a subpoena to Walz, seeking information about his administration's involvement in the fraud scheme. Foxx wrote in a letter to Walz that he is "responsible for the [Minnesota Department of Education] and its administration of [Federal Child Nutrition Programs]."
Walz's Home State Hit with Subpoena Over COVID-19 Fraud Investigation
According to allegations by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Feeding Our Future "exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic" by creating fake attendance rosters and falsifying invoices. At least 70 people have been charged in connection with the scheme, and five have been found guilty.
The subpoena requests documents and communications related to the administration's oversight of the federal child nutrition program, as well as any knowledge or involvement of Walz and other executive officers in the fraud scheme. In addition to Walz, Foxx also sent subpoenas to Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett and Biden administration Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
Walz's Home State Hit with Subpoena Over COVID-19 Fraud Investigation
A spokeswoman for Walz told Fox News Digital that the administration "worked diligently to stop the fraud" and is "grateful to the FBI for working with the department of education to arrest and charge the individuals involved."
However, local reporting indicates that the MDE resumed funding to the 26 nonprofits working with Feeding Our Future after being notified of the suspected fraud, and only later rejected applications from the group for new food sites.
Walz's Home State Hit with Subpoena Over COVID-19 Fraud Investigation
House Republicans have heightened their scrutiny of Walz since he was named the Democratic vice presidential candidate last month. The House Oversight Committee has also opened an investigation into Walz's connections to China.
The investigation into the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme is expected to intensify, with House Republicans seeking to uncover any potential wrongdoing or negligence on the part of Walz's administration. The outcome of the investigation could have implications for Walz's political future and his potential role as Vice President.
House Republicans have sent a second subpoena to Walz, this time related to his personal past. The subpoena seeks information about a 1992 incident in which Walz was accused of domestic violence. Walz has denied the allegations.
The second subpoena is part of a broader investigation into Walz's past, which has been criticized by some Democrats as politically motivated. House Republicans have defended the investigation, saying that they have a responsibility to scrutinize all potential candidates for Vice President.
The investigations into Walz's administration and personal past are likely to continue in the coming weeks and months. The outcome of these investigations could have a significant impact on Walz's political future and his potential role as Vice President.
