Minnesota Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins accused Democratic officials and the administration of Gov. Tim Walz of fostering an environment that discourages whistleblowers from coming forward with allegations of fraud, arguing that fear of retaliation has undermined trust in state oversight mechanisms.

Robbins made the remarks while responding to a request from the state Inspector General seeking access to information related to credible whistleblower reports.

She said lawmakers have declined to share that information, citing concerns about whistleblower safety and confidence.

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“I’d like to respond to that so we did receive your letter Inspector General, asking us to share information with you on credible whistleblower reports. And to date, we have not, because there is no trust,” Robbins said.

She told lawmakers that the alleged fraud occurred under the Inspector General’s watch and said whistleblowers fear retaliation if their identities or information are disclosed.

“As you might understand, this fraud has been perpetuated on your watch, and the whistleblowers who reach out to us within the department are terrified and they feel that they’ve been retaliated against already,” Robbins said.

“They feel that they are very afraid. They’re afraid to reach out to us, and if they thought we were then turning around and giving it to you, we would not have whistleblowers.”

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Robbins said those concerns prompted Republican lawmakers to create an independent whistleblower portal last spring to provide a safer avenue for reporting alleged misconduct.

“So we initiated a whistleblower portal last spring in response to people who are afraid to come to you, and that has received hundreds of tips,” she said.

She noted that state officials later launched a separate reporting portal.

“Belatedly. You all also put out a whistleblower report portal this fall, which I think hopefully is also generating tips,” Robbins said.

Robbins explained that when legislators receive credible allegations, they conduct interviews and attempt to verify claims, but face legal limitations that prevent them from fully investigating.

“But when I get credible allegations of fraud from whistleblowers, we meet with them, we interview them, we ferret it out as much as possible,” she said.

“But as you know, legislators do not have access to bank records, health records, subpoena power, the Swift payment system that the state uses to pay things.”

Because of those restrictions, Robbins said lawmakers can only advance investigations to a certain point before referring matters to federal or state authorities with broader powers.

“So I can only get an investigation so far, but when we get it, we go to the US attorney, the FBI and the Office of Legislative Auditor, who have access to all those records,” she said.

Robbins emphasized that protecting whistleblowers is essential to uncovering fraud and said referrals are handled in a way that preserves anonymity and enables further review.

“So our whistle blowers are being protected and they are also being reviewed for further investigation,” she said.

While Robbins said she would prefer cooperation with the Inspector General, she warned that trust must be established first.

“And I would like to have a more collaborative relationship with you, but I have to say, if whistleblowers thought we were turning everything over to you, it would stop Madam Chair,” Robbins said.

WATCH:

HOLY CRAP. Minnesota Democrats and Tim Walz’s team are STILL intimidating fraud whistleblowers

Rep. Robbins: “This fraud has been perpetuated on your watch and the whistleblowers who reach out to us within the department are TERRIFIED.” pic.twitter.com/ajNjWjQa2P

“They feel…

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 22, 2025

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