GOP Candidate Scott Jensen Blames Gov. Walz For $1B Feeding Our Future Fraud, Warns Of Possible Cover-Up

Allegations, Timeline Dispute And Growing Federal Scrutiny

As Minneapolis confronts a scandal prosecutors have called the largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the nation, Republican gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott Jensen told Fox News Digital that he holds Gov. Tim Walz responsible and warned of a potential cover-up he compared to Watergate.

The case centers on allegations that the nonprofit Feeding Our Future and related groups defrauded federal child-nutrition programs of hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief. Prosecutors and federal investigators say the total potentially involved approaches $1 billion, and the matter has become a major issue in Minnesota’s governor’s race.

Jensen Says State Knew Earlier Than Reported

Jensen argues a timeline shows state officials—he specifically names the Minnesota Department of Education and Gov. Walz—knew of problems in 2020 but did not involve the FBI until 2021. "Their timeline's a year off," Jensen told Fox News Digital, saying the delay was not merely mismanagement but part of a broader pattern of deflection and dishonesty from the governor’s office.

"The buck stops at the governor's desk," Jensen said. "Tim Walz has been derelict in doing his duties, and he's absolutely corrupted common sense."

Disputes Over Who Was To Blame

Jensen cited incidents after the first indictments in 2022, saying Walz blamed Hennepin County District Judge John Guthman for forcing the state to continue payments later deemed fraudulent. Guthman publicly disputed Walz's account at the time, calling some statements inaccurate. Jensen also said the administration blamed the FBI for advising the state to continue payments—a claim the FBI denies.

Federal Probes And Political Fallout

Federal scrutiny has expanded: the Small Business Administration announced an investigation into a network of Somali-linked groups in Minnesota; the Treasury Department is reportedly reviewing allegations that funds may have been diverted to the terrorist group al-Shabaab; and House Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) is leading a congressional probe into Walz’s role. Former President Donald Trump has also announced actions and cited the case when altering deportation protections for many Somali migrants.

Questions About Broader Corruption

Jensen warned the most troubling questions may still be unanswered: Could there be a pay-to-play scheme, sequestration of funds, or other nefarious activity that would require criminal prosecutions of elected officials? He said the scale and apparent attempts to hide aspects of the scandal "has some of the haunting reminders of Watergate."

Jensen, who challenged Walz in 2022, also criticized the governor’s policy record and ideological shift, saying Walz has moved toward the left in recent years.

Fox News Digital reached out to Gov. Walz's office for comment. Fox News Digital’s Deirdre Heavey and Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.