Elon Musk criticised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the state faces multiple investigations into alleged fraud affecting social services programmes.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive referred to Walz as “Traitor Tim Walz,” as scrutiny grows over Minnesota’s handling of programmes now under investigation. The comments followed remarks by Donald Trump, who has described Minnesota as a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”
Musk responds to social media criticism
Musk was reacting to another post that joked about a caller telling personal finance adviser Dave Ramsey about Walz’s record as governor during a radio programme.
The post accused Walz of raising taxes, spending billions from a state budget surplus, and overseeing programmes now under investigation for fraud, including Medicaid-linked initiatives and federally funded food programmes.
Federal investigations into major fraud cases
Federal authorities and lawmakers are investigating Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future scheme, involving an estimated $250 million in alleged fraud tied to a children’s nutrition programme funded by the US Department of Agriculture during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors say at least 77 people have been charged in the case, which allegedly exploited waivers granted under the Federal Child Nutrition Program.
Another probe centres on the state’s Housing Stability Services Program, which provides Medicaid-funded housing support for people with disabilities, mental health conditions, and substance-use disorders. Fewer than a dozen people have been charged so far, though officials say more charges are expected.
Community impact and federal response
Many of those charged are members of Minnesota’s Somali community. In November, Trump announced an end to Temporary Protected Status for Somali migrants in Minnesota, which provides protection from deportation.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said it was leading a major operation to identify and remove those involved in the alleged fraud.
“Our investigative agents are conducting a massive operation to identify, arrest, and remove criminals who are defrauding the American people,” DHS said in a post on X.
State officials push back
Minnesota officials have rejected claims that fraud was ignored, following renewed attention sparked by a viral video from YouTuber Nick Shirley that focused on alleged irregularities at childcare and learning centres.
A spokesperson for Governor Walz said he had worked for years to crack down on fraud and strengthen oversight of state programmes.
The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, Tikki Brown, said earlier inspections had not uncovered fraud but that regulators are now carrying out more unannounced visits.
