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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gave the impression in a Sunday interview that he was responsible for jailing those responsible for massive fraud schemes in his state. But how involved was he in those efforts? (Mario Tama / Getty Images)

Fact Check: No, Tim Walz Did Not Put Somali Fraudsters in Jail the Way He Claims - In Fact, He Is Blamed for That Same Fraud

By Randy DeSoto December 2, 2025 at 12:14pm

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appeared to take credit on Sunday for jailing those Somalis who committed fraud against his state to the tune of over $1 billion.

However, he is leaving out a key piece of information: It was federal prosecutors who brought the charges.

The scandal became broadly known thanks to a New York Times story published the previous day, titled, “How Fraud Swamped Minnesota’s Social Services System on Tim Walz’s Watch.”

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Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 4,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars