A credit grab turned into a public clash.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz faced swift backlash Tuesday after suggesting state agencies helped trigger a sweeping federal fraud crackdown — a claim quickly shot down by FBI Director Kash Patel.
“Come again?” Patel fired back on X.
“This FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today,” he wrote. “But go ahead and take credit for our work while we smoke out the fraud plaguing Minnesota under your governorship.”
Come again? 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. https://t.co/HczInx5sZm
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 28, 2026
The sharp exchange followed coordinated raids across Minneapolis, where federal agents executed more than 20 search warrants tied to an ongoing fraud investigation.
Walz had earlier suggested the operation stemmed from state-level vigilance.
Minnesota agencies, he said, had “caught irregular behavior and reported it,” implying a key role in initiating the probe.
That framing didn’t sit well in Washington — especially with DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
“You have *zero* credibility on this issue. @GovTimWalz, you have willingly ignored and downplayed the rampant fraud and abuse in Minnesota. This crackdown on fraud has come thanks to made possible by President Trump’s leadership. We will hold those who steal from Americans accountable.”
You have *zero* credibility on this issue.@GovTimWalz, you have willingly ignored and downplayed the rampant fraud and abuse in Minnesota.
This crackdown on fraud has come thanks to the leadership of President Trump. We will hold those who steal from Americans accountable. https://t.co/Y5KWQ9r5LB
— Secretary Markwayne Mullin (@SecMullinDHS) April 28, 2026
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice confirmed the action was part of a federal investigation, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation leading court-authorized enforcement activity alongside other partners.
Authorities carried out 22 federal search warrants Tuesday morning, targeting multiple locations including childcare centers, according to sources familiar with the operation.
Watch the clip below:
NEW: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz attempts to take credit for fraud raids in his state carried out by the FBI and DHS.
FBI Director Patel hit back at his claims: "Come again? This FBI and DOJ with our DHS partners drafted and executed every search warrant today. But go ahead and take… pic.twitter.com/2rgnT5EcCO
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 29, 2026
