Minnesota Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Klobuchar faces criticism from her Republican opponent and social media for her approach to a significant fraud scandal in the state. Despite campaigning on addressing this issue, Klobuchar’s Senate office has not released any press statements specifically addressing the scandal since it emerged.
The scandal, known as the Feeding Our Future fraud, involves social services fraud that prosecutors say could total over $9 billion. It broke in January 2022. A review of over 1,000 press releases from Klobuchar’s office, dating from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2025, found no mention of terms directly related to the scandal, such as “Minnesota fraud,” “social services fraud,” “Medicaid fraud,” among others. However, her office has addressed other forms of fraud during this period.
Minnesota Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth emphasized the absence of Klobuchar’s voice during the scandal. “As Feeding Our Future was breaking, the absent voice I noticed was Senator Klobuchar,” said Demuth in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“She has spent twenty years as a senator but did not hold hearings on fraud issues in Minnesota,” Demuth noted. “When a hearing on fraud took place, she didn’t attend, signaling to Minnesotans that there’s a lack of interest in addressing the theft of tax dollars.”
Demuth drew attention to Klobuchar’s lack of action during a speech outlining her plans to combat fraud and criticized Klobuchar’s response to the scandal. “Billions of our tax dollars stolen,” posted Demuth on X. “It’s time for change.” Klobuchar has promised a state audit on her first day in office to address waste, fraud, and abuse.
Former Governor Tim Walz dropped his re-election bid amid the scandal. Klobuchar, who succeeded in the primary elections, faces a challenge as voters scrutinize her record on fraud and her association with Walz.
“My question is—where were you for the last 10 years?” Demuth questioned, critiquing Klobuchar’s lack of proactive measures.
Republican candidates in Minnesota are emphasizing the impact of the fraud scandal on voters’ sentiments, including Senate hopeful Michele Tafoya who stated voters are “ready for a change.” Demuth, as Minnesota House Speaker since 2025, highlighted her focus on anti-fraud initiatives, establishing the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee.
“Who will Minnesotans trust for their next governor? Someone who talks about fraud now they’re running for office, or someone who’s fought fraud all along?” Demuth asked, positioning herself as the trustworthy candidate committed to ending fraud and respecting taxpayer dollars.
Fox News Digital reached out to Klobuchar’s campaign for comment.