U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, along with other Republican senators, has called for accountability from outgoing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz following reports of fraud and misuse of federal funds in Minnesota. The senators criticized Governor Walz for the alleged mishandling of taxpayer money and requested that he provide Congress with a report detailing the state’s efforts to comply with a federal order to audit the funds and prevent further abuse.
In their letter, the senators stated, “We write to express serious concern regarding recent reports and federal investigations alleging widespread fraud and misuse of federal funds within Minnesota’s state-administered child care assistance programs. … Some authorities estimate that billions in federal funds across various programs, including child care, nutrition, Medicaid, and housing assistance, may have been misappropriated since 2018.”
They continued, “Under the leadership of President Trump, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has acted promptly to freeze child care payments to Minnesota pending verification and audits of how funds were used. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and the United States Senate is exercising its duty to ensure proper stewardship of federal taxpayer dollars for child care programs, and we take this responsibility very seriously.”
The action aligns with measures taken by the Trump Administration to pause federal child care funding to Minnesota until audits are completed. A federal investigation into large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs is also underway.
The letter was signed by Graham—who serves as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and sits on other key committees such as Judiciary and Appropriations—and numerous other Republican senators from across the country. Graham’s focus on fiscal responsibility is consistent with his role as a conservative leader who advocates for national defense and careful management of government spending according to his official website.
Graham has represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2002 and continues to play an active role in legislative oversight related to budgetary matters (source).
