Tim Walz
Coverage of Tim Walz in the Nexus archive.
- Swing-state's fraud reckoning raises Minnesota-style alarm as wild schemes exposed
The DOJ conducted a sweeping anti-fraud bust of Medicaid scofflaws in Pennsylvania, which spends $8 billion on Medicaid home-care services. The busts targeted individuals who billed for services under dubious circumstances, including while driving or when they were incarcerated. These actions draw comparisons to fraud scandals that have occurred in Minnesota.
- Flags in Minnesota to fly at half-staff for firefighter who died while fighting wildfires
Governor Tim Walz ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff following the death of Leslie R. Washington. Washington, a member of the K-River 2 crew, died after suffering a medical emergency while fighting wildfires in Minnesota near Ely on Aug. 11.
- Minnesota fraud scandal will haunt Flanagan in high-stakes Senate race, top House Republican warns
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer warned that a welfare fraud scandal under Gov. Tim Walz's administration will negatively impact Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's Senate race. The alleged fraud involved millions of taxpayer dollars through state programs and was connected to groups like Feeding Our Future, resulting in multiple indictments. Both Walsh and Ellison have been accused by others of dismissing the severity of the scandal.
- Minnesota fraud scandal will haunt Flanagan in high-stakes Senate race, top House Republican warns
The welfare fraud scandal that rocked Minnesota's state government is predicted to become a central issue in Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s open Senate race. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer stated that rampant fraud under the administration will taint her campaign, noting that founder Aimee Bock was indicted for a scheme affecting some $250 million in taxpayer funds.
- Peggy Flanagan overcomes Walz baggage in beating Angie Craig for the DFL Senate nomination
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated Rep. Angie Craig for the DFL Party’s nomination in the race for retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s seat. During the campaign, Flanagan distanced herself from her former running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, regarding allegations of fraud. The election highlighted issues like affordability and raised questions about Craig’s vote supporting the Laken Riley Act concerning immigration enforcement.
- Minnesota House speaker Lisa Demuth wins GOP gubernatorial primary to replace Tim Walz in November
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth won the Republican gubernatorial primary and will face the Democratic nominee in November to replace outgoing Gov. Tim Walz. Demuth emphasized that messages of hope, change, reducing taxes, improving education, and ending fraud are desperately needed in the state. The race gained prominence after Walz abandoned his third-term campaign amid mounting scrutiny over alleged fraud involving government-funded programs.
- Minnesota House speaker Lisa Demuth wins GOP gubernatorial primary to replace Tim Walz in November
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth won the Republican gubernatorial primary to challenge the Democratic nominee in November. She defeated Mike Lindell following a period of losing the GOP endorsement to Kendall Qualls. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz abandoned his third-term campaign amid mounting scrutiny over state program fraud, opening the race for figures like Klobuchar.
- Blaming the victim: Trump faults Minnesota for cyber attacks experts say came from Iran
President Donald Trump blamed Minnesota's government for a cyber attack on 30+ water systems, despite intelligence agencies attributing it to Iran. Trump criticized Minnesota's 'incompetence' and dismissed the possibility of Iranian involvement, even as public opposition to the U.S.-Iran War and his policies rises.
- Democrat Jake Johnson, a teacher, tries to solve the difficult math in a red district
Jake Johnson, a teacher and first-time candidate, is challenging Republican Rep. Brad Finstad in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, a historically GOP-leaning area. Johnson, like former governor Tim Walz who unseated a Republican in the same district in 2006, is leveraging his teaching background and centrist policies to appeal to voters.
- Authorities continue to investigate cyberattacks on Minnesota water systems as more states report similar cases
Authorities in Minnesota are investigating cyberattacks that targeted over 30 water systems last week, with at least five other states reporting similar incidents. Braham, a Minnesota city, has disconnected its water plant from the internet, and federal agencies have linked the attacks to Iranian hackers, though President Trump blamed state officials without evidence. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz attributed vulnerabilities to federal cybersecurity cuts.
- Trump blames Tim Walz for water hacks even though it’s probably Iran
Trump blames Governor Tim Walz for cyberattacks on Minnesota's water systems, while the FBI, EPA, and CISA suggest Iran is likely responsible. Trump denies the cyberattack occurred, contradicting the FBI's warning about spreading attacks on infrastructure.
- Trump blames Minnesota for cyberattacks on water sector, drawing pushback from cyber world
President Donald Trump blamed Minnesota for recent cyberattacks on its water systems, claiming the state's incompetence was to blame, despite U.S. investigators attributing the attacks to Iran. Cybersecurity experts and Minnesota's governor pushed back, asserting the attacks were linked to Iran and criticizing Trump's remarks.
- FACT FOCUS: Trump blames Minnesota governor for cyberattacks against the state. Cites no evidence
President Donald Trump claims without evidence that recent cyberattacks in Minnesota were the fault of the state, including Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. The article states Trump cites no proof for his accusation.
- Trump Blames Minnesota, Not Iran, for Cyberattack, Despite Initial Investigation
President Trump blamed Minnesota, not Iran, for a cyberattack, despite an initial investigation. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stated Trump’s blame-shifting shows no plan to win a war with Iran.
- Minnesota tourism still growing but storm clouds are gathering, state says
Minnesota tourism experienced growth in 2025 but at a slower rate than previous years, with 2026 data showing declines in leisure employment and airport passenger volume. Wildfires in northern Minnesota during peak summer tourism add challenges, though state officials remain optimistic about the sector's long-term potential.
- Minnesota water systems cyberattack: Trump says state to blame, not Iran
President Donald Trump blamed Minnesota's state government for a cyberattack on local water systems, denying Iranian involvement despite U.S. officials investigating the possibility. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz countered that the attack reflects modern cyber warfare, with federal agencies warning of increased threats to water infrastructure. Multiple Minnesota communities were affected, but backup systems mitigated disruptions.
- Trump administration probes Minnesota over 'transgender dolls' in schools, but state disputes story
The Trump administration is investigating Minnesota over allegations of 'transgender dolls' in classrooms, threatening to cut federal funding if violations are found. Minnesota disputes involvement, stating the program is a University of Minnesota study. Researchers clarified the dolls are a therapeutic tool for professionals, not for classroom use this fall.
- Minnesota law clears way for ‘Grandparents’ Happy Hour’ at senior living facilities
Minnesota has enacted a law allowing senior living facilities to serve alcohol during resident-focused events without a traditional retail liquor license. The 'Grandparents Happy Hour' law, signed by Gov. Tim Walz, permits serving alcohol to residents and guests under specific restrictions, aiming to simplify event planning and preserve social traditions for elderly residents.
- Walz order bans Minnesota employees from wagering on prediction markets with inside info
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz banned state employees from using insider information to trade on prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket via an executive order. The move follows a federal judge blocking a new Minnesota law targeting prediction markets, which Walz claims raises concerns about gambling addiction, public safety, and national security.
- Judge blocks Minnesota’s first-in-nation ban on prediction markets run by Kalshi, Polymarket
A judge blocked Minnesota’s first-in-nation ban on prediction markets operated by Kalshi and Polymarket. The companies, along with a Wall Street regulator, sued after Governor Tim Walz signed the law in May, which criminalized operating, hosting, or promoting such markets in the state.
- Fact check on the University of Minnesota gender dolls program
The University of Minnesota's MyGender Dolls program, developed by the Eli Coleman Institute, uses paper dolls as a therapeutic tool for gender-diverse children aged 4-10. The project received a grant up to $10,000 but is not being implemented in public schools, with researchers stating it is restricted to licensed professionals. Governor Tim Walz denied any connection to the program.
- Minnesota wildfires: Evacuation zones downgraded as containment fluctuates
Evacuation zones in Minnesota have been downgraded as firefighting efforts continue against northern wildfires, with combined acreage estimated at over 64,000 acres in the U.S. and 8,400 acres in Canada. Over 1,000 personnel are battling the fires, and some areas in the Boundary Waters reopened, though overnight permits remain canceled. Governor Tim Walz highlighted concerns about entering a 'new norm' due to extreme weather conditions.
- Transgender dolls to be available for Minnesota schoolchildren as young as 4 under Walz-backed program: report
Transgender dolls called MyGenderDolls will be introduced to Minnesota schoolchildren aged 4–10 starting this fall through a taxpayer-funded program backed by Gov. Tim Walz. Developed via the University of Minnesota’s Early Innovation Fund, the dolls feature interchangeable genitalia and accessories to help gender-diverse children explore identity concepts.
- KSTP/SurveyUSA poll: Expected voter turnout, most important election issues
A KSTP/SurveyUSA poll indicates lower primary voter turnout compared to the November election in Minnesota, with 15% more respondents planning to vote in November. Inflation/cost of living remains the top issue but has slightly decreased in priority, while fraud emerged as a significant concern for 16% of voters.
- Trump admin deferring $1 billion-plus Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota amid ‘suspected fraud’
The Trump administration deferred over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota due to 'suspected fraud and noncompliance.' Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the actions aim to prevent fraud before spending occurs. Minnesota and California officials criticized the move as politically motivated, with no provided data on how the deferrals were calculated.
- KSTP/SurveyUSA poll: Walz approval rating continues to fall, Trump’s rebounds slightly
Governor Tim Walz's approval rating has dropped to -12, with 16% strong approval and 39% strong disapproval. President Donald Trump's approval rebounded slightly to -20, with 17% strong approval and 47% strong disapproval. Other Minnesota leaders like Amy Klobuchar and Keith Ellison also show declining approval ratings, while the state legislature's rating fell to -15.
- Fed Medicaid freeze brings accountability to California, Minnesota — finally
The Trump administration has halted Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, citing mismanagement by governors Gavin Newsom and Tim Walz. The freeze is intended to enforce accountability for these states.
- Trump administration says it’s deferring $1B in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota
The Trump administration announced a $1 billion deferral in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota due to suspected fraud and noncompliance, part of a broader effort to prevent fraudulent spending. Minnesota received a $199 million deferral for services paid in March 2026, with state officials criticizing the move as punitive and politically motivated.
- Trump admin. suspends $1B in Medicaid payments over fraud claims
The Trump administration suspended over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, citing alleged fraud. Funds will be released once both states provide documentation verifying the legitimacy of services. The move is part of broader efforts to combat fraud in the healthcare system, with claims of foreign organizations being involved.
- Trump admin. suspends $1B in Medicaid payments over fraud claims
The Trump administration suspended over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California, citing alleged fraud. The funds will be released once the states provide documentation verifying the legitimacy of services. California faces a $870 million hold, and Minnesota a $200 million hold.
- Trump admin. suspends $1B in Medicaid payments over fraud claims
The Trump administration suspended over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California, citing fraud allegations. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the funds would be released upon verification of service legitimacy. Dr. Mehmet Oz and HHS Inspector General T. March Bell highlighted concerns about fraud and its impact on healthcare access.
- Trump administration says it’s deferring $199M in Medicaid payments to Minnesota
The Trump administration deferred $199 million in Medicaid payments to Minnesota, citing suspected fraud and noncompliance. The action is part of a broader strategy to prevent fraudulent spending in states like California, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasizing preemptive measures. Minnesota and California officials criticized the move as politically motivated.
- Trump administration says it’s deferring $1B in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota
The Trump administration deferred over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota due to 'suspected fraud and noncompliance.' Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the move aims to prevent fraudulent spending, while state governors accused the administration of political motives. The action follows a broader campaign to investigate federal funding misuse.
- Trump administration says it's deferring $1B in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota
The Trump administration deferred over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota due to suspected fraud and noncompliance. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the move aims to prevent fraud before it occurs, while governors from both states accused the administration of political motives.
- Trump administration says it's deferring $1B in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota
The Trump administration announced deferring over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota due to suspected fraud and noncompliance, part of a broader strategy to prevent fraudulent spending. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the action aims to stop payments before fraud occurs, while state governors accused the administration of political motives. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has faced challenges in justifying some deferrals, including errors in data used for investigations.
- Trump administration says it’s deferring $1B in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California
The Trump administration announced deferring over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California due to 'suspected fraud and noncompliance.' The states accuse the administration of political motives, with Minnesota's governor suggesting the funds are being withheld to finance tax cuts for wealthy Americans, and California's governor claiming political targeting.
- Pratt takes Walz to task in scathing X post over pardoned child rapist: 'Have your hard drives checked'
Spencer Pratt criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for pardoning a convicted child rapist, referencing Walz's defense that the U.S. should not be judged by its worst day. The pardon was granted by the Minnesota Board of Pardons, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervened to facilitate the rapist's deportation.
- Pratt takes Walz to task in scathing X post over pardoned child rapist: 'Have your hard drives checked'
Spencer Pratt criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for pardoning a child rapist, referencing Walz's defense of the decision. The Minnesota Board of Pardons, including Walz, granted clemency to Tou Lue Vang, who was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl. Conservative politicians supported Pratt's stance, while the Trump administration had previously deported Vang.
- Shireen Gandhi retires from DHS 2 months after stepping down as commissioner
Shireen Gandhi resigned from Minnesota’s Department of Human Services after a 15-month tenure marked by efforts to combat fraud and scrutiny over oversight practices. She was demoted to deputy commissioner before her resignation and faced criticism from lawmakers regarding her handling of fraud in the agency.
- Wildfires latest: More than 60,000 acres burned, evacuation zones expanding
Wildfires in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border have burned over 60,000 acres, with 18 active fires and minimal containment. Evacuations affect 6,000–10,000 people in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the National Guard has been deployed to assist. Lightning sparked many fires, and smoke has hindered aerial firefighting efforts.