Kamala Harris’ running mate Walz subpoenaed in child nutrition fraud probe

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is running as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the upcoming presidential election, has been subpoenaed by the House Education Committee as part of a broader investigation by Republican lawmakers.

The investigation centers on Walz’s administration’s oversight of child nutrition programs, specifically a significant fraud case that has emerged as a critical vulnerability in his political career.

Governor Walz has made child welfare and education central themes of his administration, championing policies like universal school meals to make Minnesota “the best place to raise a family.”

However, his administration’s involvement in a fraud case linked to a Minnesota-based nonprofit, Feeding Our Future, is now under intense scrutiny.

The nonprofit is accused of misappropriating $250 million in taxpayer dollars from a COVID-19 relief fund meant to feed children in need. The federal government has charged over 70 defendants in connection with the case, with five convictions so far.

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The House Education Committee, chaired by Representative Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), issued subpoenas to Governor Walz, Agriculture Inspector General Phyllis Fong, Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Foxx’s letter highlights Walz’s responsibility as the chief executive of Minnesota, particularly regarding his oversight of the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), which administered the federal child nutrition programs.

“As the chief executive and the highest-ranking official in the state of Minnesota, you are responsible for the MDE and its administration of federal child nutrition programs,” Foxx wrote, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.

This investigation is part of a wider effort by GOP lawmakers to scrutinize Walz as he ascends to national prominence. Earlier this month, the House Oversight Committee launched a separate investigation into Walz’s ties to China, stemming from his time as a geography teacher when he spent a year teaching in the region and coordinated annual school trips to China.

Additionally, the House Armed Services subcommittee is investigating alleged misstatements by Walz about his military service in the U.S. Army National Guard.

The spotlight on Walz’s administration is a shift in focus for House Republicans, who previously concentrated their efforts on former President Joe Biden before he stepped down from the ticket in July. With Harris now leading the Democratic presidential campaign, Walz’s candidacy has become a new target for GOP scrutiny.

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Governor Walz has not shied away from addressing the fraud case, acknowledging in an August press conference the failings of his administration in preventing the largest pandemic-related relief fraud in the nation.

He pointed to administrative changes, including the implementation of an inspector general for the MDE, as measures to prevent future fraud.

“I think what you’re seeing is if you commit fraud in Minnesota, you are going to be caught as you are going to go to prison,” Walz stated, defending the actions taken by his administration since the fraud was uncovered.

The subpoena requires Walz and the other officials involved to release the requested documents by September 18. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these inquiries will impact Walz’s political future and the broader Democratic campaign.

This investigation adds to the mounting challenges faced by Walz and Harris as they navigate an increasingly contentious election season, with Republicans eager to capitalize on any perceived vulnerabilities in the Democratic ticket.