Minnesota candidate Michele Tafoya questioned Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s awareness of fraud during the Tim Walz administration. Tafoya argued Flanagan served alongside Walz while billions disappeared from state programs. The remarks drew online criticism of Flanagan, including questions about what she knew.
Fox News aired the interview while discussing fraud cases in Minnesota. The segment turned to Flanagan’s role after Tafoya criticized the administration’s handling of public money. She said Minnesotans wanted leaders they could trust and wanted to protect money from theft.
Tafoya contrasted her campaign with Flanagan’s and said Minnesotans wanted “common sense” leadership. She said Walz had left his race while Flanagan was “asking for a promotion.” “She’s acting as though she didn’t see any of this,” Tafoya said.
She then asked, “How did all these billions of dollars walk out of Minnesota?” Tafoya said programs meant to receive that money had been “hollowed out” under the administration. “This woman wants a promotion?” she asked.
The host also raised a Hennepin County fund for businesses affected by ICE raids. He said 300 applicants were legitimate and 200 were flagged for potential fraud. Tafoya said fraud continued because “no one has been held accountable.”
Peggy Flanagan Faces Online Backlash Over Minnesota Fraud Questions
The discussion widened into questions about oversight, political responsibility, and how heavily fraud should shape Minnesota’s Senate race.
“How could Flanagan not know about the fraud?” one user asked. Another made a stronger accusation: “Flannigan is part of the fraud Thats why we need to elect Michelle Tafoya!”
Others focused on Flanagan’s position within the administration. “She was complicit. FLANAGAN was in charge while Walz was out making a fool of himself & SHE did NOTHING,” one response stated. Another questioned the broader record: “Why would anyone vote for the Dems who allowed the massive fraud to go unchecked?”
Some users pushed back on Tafoya’s focus. “That seems to be her only message is fraud. I don’t even know what she stands for?” one wrote.
Another questioned the framing: “Being against ‘fraud’ is easy when you’re blaming ‘foreigners,’ whether it’s true or not.”
Fraud remains a contested issue in Minnesota’s Senate race. The exchange did not include Flanagan’s response to Tafoya’s latest remarks.
