Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz drew swift criticism Tuesday after asserting that state agencies played a key role in triggering federal fraud raids in Minneapolis, prompting a pointed response from FBI Director Kash Patel.

The exchange highlights escalating political friction surrounding a major federal investigation into alleged fraud, which critics argue developed during Walz’s tenure, while federal authorities have now taken control of enforcement efforts.

“Come again?” Patel posted on X in response to Walz, who claimed that Tuesday’s raids happened because Minnesota state agencies “caught irregular behavior and reported it.”

Patel pushed back forcefully, writing, “This FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today. But go ahead and take credit for our work while we smoke out the fraud plaguing Minnesota under your governorship.”

Walz’s post quickly gained traction online, drawing more than a million views within hours and sparking criticism, particularly from conservative commentators who argued that the fraud cases had unfolded during his administration and that mounting public scrutiny contributed to his decision not to seek another term.

Several critics took to social media to mock the governor’s remarks.

“Arsonist masquerading as a firefighter,” Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted on X.

“The main problem Tim Walz has now is that no one – Republican or Democrat – takes him seriously,” Republican strategist Tim Murtaugh wrote on X. “He’s proven that he’s that much of a boob.”

“The same guy who spent a whole hearing dodging questions about $9 BILLION in fraud in Minnesota and talking about ICE instead is now praising fraud control,” the Republican-led House Oversight Committee posted on X. “Tomorrow, we will pass legislation in the Committee to make sure it never happens again. Sit this one out, Tim.”

Rep. Derrick Van Orden also weighed in, posting, “.@GovTimWalz is a stolen valor…,” and adding, “This is par for the course.”

Sen. Rand Paul offered his own take, writing, “Well, the American people know we can actually thank @nickshirleyy and @VP.”

Other users online pointed to a statement from the city of Minneapolis clarifying that municipal authorities were not involved in the operation.

Earlier Tuesday, federal agents carried out coordinated raids at more than 20 locations across Minneapolis, including several childcare centers, as part of a broad investigation into alleged fraud involving businesses largely owned by members of the Somali community, sources told Fox News.

“Today the FBI with federal, state and local law enforcement is involved in court-authorized law enforcement activity as part of an ongoing fraud investigation,” a Department of Justice spokesperson said.

Authorities confirmed that 22 federal search warrants were executed across Minnesota as part of the operation, which sources emphasized was unrelated to immigration enforcement.

{Matzav.com}