Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison testified Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee on alleged misuse of federal funds and fraud in the state’s social services programs.

Republicans, led by Chairman James Comer, accused Walz and Ellison of knowing about fraud as early as 2019 and retaliating against whistleblowers, while continuing payments to programs like the $250 million Feeding Our Future initiative.

Walz defended his administration, saying Minnesota prosecutes fraudsters and accusing the Trump administration of politicizing the issue, while Ellison highlighted 300 Medicaid fraud convictions and $80 million recovered for taxpayers.

Lawmakers also discussed Operation Metro Surge, with Walz and Ellison calling it harmful, politically motivated, and disruptive to fraud enforcement efforts, CBS News has reported.

The hearing featured tense exchanges, particularly between Comer, Rep. Tom Emmer, and the witnesses, with questions focusing on what the officials knew, when, and why corrective action was delayed.