A political storm erupted in Minnesota as Governor Tim Walz faced swift criticism for seemingly contradictory statements regarding the departure of U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson. Just days after publicly questioning Thompson’s integrity and hinting at dismissal, Walz lauded him as a dedicated public servant following his resignation.
The shift occurred after Thompson, along with other prosecutors, announced their resignations, a decision reportedly stemming from disagreements with decisions coming from the U.S. Department of Justice. Walz responded on social media, calling Thompson’s departure a “huge loss” for the state and framing it as another instance of political interference.
However, this praise sharply contrasted with Walz’s comments from the previous week. During a press conference, the governor had accused Thompson of defamation, criticizing his assessment of a potential $9 billion fraud crisis and suggesting any other administration would have terminated his employment.
The rapid reversal didn’t go unnoticed. Social media quickly amplified the apparent inconsistency, with conservative commentators and Minnesota Republican officials highlighting Walz’s previous call for Thompson’s firing and potential legal action.
Thompson’s tenure as U.S. Attorney was marked by significant cases, most notably leading the investigation into the massive $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud. This case involved allegations of widespread misuse of funds intended for food programs, impacting the state’s Somali community and resulting in numerous indictments.
The fraud investigation cast a long shadow, unfolding as Walz decided against seeking a third term as governor. The scandal brought increased scrutiny to financial oversight within the state and raised serious questions about the handling of federal funds.
Beyond the Feeding Our Future case, Thompson was also involved in prosecuting Vance Boelter, accused of a violent shooting spree that targeted Minnesota state legislators. The attack resulted in the deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left a State Senator and his wife seriously injured.
The unfolding situation has ignited a debate about political motivations and the integrity of the justice system, leaving many to question the governor’s shifting narrative and the true reasons behind Thompson’s resignation.
