U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC), who announced her candidacy for Governor of South Carolina in August 2025, appeared on Fox News on Saturday America to sharply criticize Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over allegations of widespread fraud in state programs and what she described as incitement of violence against law enforcement and ICE agents.
During the segment on @SatAmericaFNC and @FoxNews, Mace stated: “Under Governor Walz, I think what he is doing is completely unacceptable. Your tax dollars should not be funding fraud. Governor Walz should resign. He should be investigated for allowing fraud to run rampant in his state, and also for inciting violence against law enforcement and ICE agents.”
She contrasted this with her own vision for governance, adding: “When I’m Governor of South Carolina, we will not fund fraud. Our law enforcement will be respected, and we will enforce the law.”
Mace’s appearance came amid a major ongoing scandal in Minnesota involving allegations of massive fraud in social services programs, including child care and Medicaid-related funding. Federal investigations, including by the House Oversight Committee, have examined claims that billions in taxpayer dollars may have been misused or stolen since 2018, with scrutiny focused on the state’s handling of these programs under Walz’s administration. The controversy intensified in late 2025 following reports and a viral video highlighting potential fraud, leading to calls from Republican lawmakers for Walz to step down and federal actions such as paused funding and congressional hearings.
Walz, who had been seeking reelection in 2026, announced on January 5, 2026, that he would not pursue a third term amid the mounting pressure from the scandal.
Mace also referenced accusations that Walz’s rhetoric has contributed to heightened tensions and violence against federal immigration enforcement officers. Recent Department of Homeland Security reports have noted significant increases in assaults, vehicular attacks, and threats against ICE personnel in 2025-2026, attributing part of the rise to inflammatory language from some politicians, including Walz’s comparisons of ICE to the “modern-day Gestapo” in the context of immigration enforcement operations.
The segment featured live discussion with Fox News anchors, highlighting the ongoing national debate over state oversight of federal funds and relations between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. Mace used the platform to draw a direct contrast between Walz’s record and her proposed priorities as a potential governor, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, respect for law enforcement, and strict law enforcement in South Carolina.
This appearance aligns with Mace’s campaign messaging since entering the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race, where she has positioned herself as a strong advocate for law and order and accountability in government spending.
