Minnesota Governor Tim Walz‘s daughter, Hope Walz, has publicly stated that her family is facing a “hate and bot” campaign. In a video posted to TikTok on December 29, 2024, she expressed her frustration with the online harassment directed at her family, saying, “having the entire right-wing infrastructure launch a hate and bot campaign against you and your family, really sucks.”
Hope Walz is not a political figure, but she gained significant social media traction during her father’s campaign for vice presidency alongside Kamala Harris in 2024. Following the reelection of Donald Trump, she amassed over half a million followers on TikTok, where she shares personal insights and commentary on political developments, including strategies for navigating Trump’s second term.
The backlash against the Walz family coincides with a major fraud scandal in Minnesota involving the nonprofit organization Feeding Our Future. This scandal has resulted in over 60 convictions related to the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars from a federally funded nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The case has drawn substantial criticism, particularly from Republican circles, with Trump himself making inflammatory remarks about Minnesota’s Somali American population, which is heavily involved in the case.
In her TikTok video, which has garnered over 140,000 views, Hope Walz emphasized that she is a private citizen who is experiencing an “extreme” volume of negative messages. She described these communications as “peddling propaganda” and “pushing agendas.” She further warned about the dangers of online harassment, stating, “This is how people get hurt.”
Hope Walz has often criticized Trump and his administration, openly expressing her views on social issues. While she did not mention the fraud scandal directly in her latest video, viewers have interpreted her comments as a reaction to the ongoing situation. She noted that her comments had been toggled off to limit further harassment.
Speaking on the fraud scandal, Governor Tim Walz addressed the issue on December 12, 2024, stating, “We are a state that chooses not to let people go hungry or homeless or uneducated. However, that generosity has been taken advantage of by an organized group of fraudsters and criminals.” He emphasized Minnesota’s commitment to maintaining integrity in public funds.
The online discourse surrounding the Walz family has been polarized. Right-wing commentator Gunther Eagleman criticized Hope Walz’s claims, while left-leaning commentator Brian Krassenstein supported her stance, claiming that the outcry against her family is politically motivated.
In a broader context, on his platform, Donald Trump alleged that Minnesota is a center for fraudulent activities, declaring that he would terminate the Temporary Protected Status for Somalis in Minnesota, which he claims is linked to criminal activities in the area.
As investigations continue, FBI Director Kash Patel has indicated that the agency will pursue inquiries into the fraud allegations, further complicating the political landscape for the Walz family.
Hope Walz concluded her video by expressing hope for a future where critical thinking prevails over blind allegiance to political leaders, stating, “I am hopeful for the future, we have a lot of work to do.” The Walz family’s experiences highlight the intersection of personal and political challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
