Tim Walz highlighted childcare policies in 2024 VP debate before Minnesota's fraud scandal emerged
During the VP debate last year Tim Walz bragged about making it easier for people to get into the childcare business.
— MAZE (@mazemoore) December 28, 2025
Walz: "We have to make it easier for folks to be able to get into that business and then to make sure that folks are able to pay for that. We were able to do it… pic.twitter.com/hXGun6e6fe
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The fraud scandal surrounding the state of Minnesota has prompted backlash towards Governor Tim Walz, after a daycare video went viral, showing a childcare facility with a misspelt sign reading “Quality Learing Center.”
The center in question was reportedly the recipient of $4 million in state funds and was supposed to account for 99 children.
Soon after the exposé by Nick Shirley went viral, a Tim Walz’s spokesperson said that the governor had spent years trying to “crack down” on fraud and had taken steps to strengthen state programs.
However, a resurfaced clip posted on Monday, December 29, shows Walz bragging about the child care facilities in Minnesota.
Tim Walz lauds childcare at VP debate with JD Vance
During the 2024 vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota stated that the administration in his state passed a “paid family medical leave.”
He added that it allowed parents to stay home for a certain amount of time, which helped the children and helped parents retain employment.
Tim Walz added that Kamala Harris made it a priority and "we implemented it in Minnesota." He further praised the initiative and said that people taking care of their children and parents should not be getting paid the “least amount of money.”
“We have to make it easier for folks to be able to get into the business,” he added.
Tim Walz further noted that they also needed to ensure that people were able to pay for it and that they were able to do so in his state. He further touted the state of Minnesota, adding that it was listed as the “best state” in crisis.
Walz additionally said that a “paid federal program” would enhance their workforces and families.
FBI vows to protect children amid Minnesota fraud scandal
FBI Director Kash Patel took to X on Sunday, to provide an update on the Minnesota fraud scheme.
He wrote that the FBI was aware of the viral video by Nick Shirley, and said that it had “surge” personnel and resources to investigate and “dismantle” the large-scale fraud schemes exploiting “federal programs.”
Kash Patel further wrote that the fraud schemes stealing from taxpayers and robbing “vulnerable children” were a top FBI priority.
Patel also noted that it was “just the tip of a very large iceberg” and that the FBI would continue to “follow the money and protect children.”
