Minnesota Governor Contradicts Court on Feeding Our Future Payments

Rep. Jim Jordan grills Gov. Tim Walz over conflicting claims about a court order to continue funding a charity accused of fraud

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz claimed a court required the state to continue payments to the charity Feeding Our Future, which is at the center of a $9 billion fraud scandal. However, the state court issued an unusual fact-check, denying that it had ordered the payments to continue. When confronted by Rep. Jim Jordan about the discrepancy, Walz said the state's attorneys had misinterpreted the court's actions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state governments and the courts, as well as the challenges in addressing large-scale fraud schemes that may have taken advantage of pandemic-era funding programs. The contradictory statements from the governor and the court raise questions about transparency and accountability in how public funds are managed.

The details

In 2021, Minnesota's Education Department initially stopped payments to Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit at the center of a $9 billion fraud investigation. However, the department later resumed the payments, with Walz claiming a court had ordered them to do so. But the state court issued a rare news release denying that it had made such an order, stating the department had 'voluntarily resumed payments'. When confronted by Rep. Jim Jordan about the discrepancy, Walz said the state's attorneys had misinterpreted the court's actions.

  • In 2021, the Minnesota Education Department stopped, then restarted payments to Feeding Our Future.
  • In April 2021, Judge John H. Guthmann was said to have ordered the Education Department to resume payments, according to Walz.
  • On September 22, 2022, Walz told the media that the court had ordered the payments to continue.
  • On September 22, 2022, the state court issued a news release denying that it had ordered the payments to continue.

The players

Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota who claimed a court ordered the state to continue funding Feeding Our Future, a charity at the center of a $9 billion fraud scandal.

Jim Jordan

A Republican Congressman from Ohio who grilled Walz about the contradictory statements from the governor and the state court.

John H. Guthmann

A Ramsey County Senior Judge who the court said did not order the Minnesota Education Department to resume payments to Feeding Our Future.

Feeding Our Future

A nonprofit organization at the center of a $9 billion fraud investigation, with allegations that funds meant to feed hungry children were instead used to fund lavish lifestyles.

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What they’re saying

“The attorneys for the Department of Education interpreted that differently.”

— Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota (Congressional Hearing)

What’s next

The state court's unusual fact-check and Walz's response raise questions about the transparency and accountability around the management of funds related to the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal. Further investigation and clarification from state officials and the court may be needed to fully understand the discrepancies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state governments and the courts, as well as the challenges in addressing large-scale fraud schemes that may have taken advantage of pandemic-era funding programs. The contradictory statements from the governor and the court underscore the importance of clear communication and accountability when managing public funds.