Governor Tim Walz highlighted the launch of Minnesota's new Office of Public Service, addressed recent Supreme Court rulings, and announced his office has filed 16 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests targeting the Trump Administration for an alleged "campaign of retribution" against the state.
On Tuesday, Governor Walz visited Open Cupboard in Maplewood to mark the Office of Public Service's launch and name its eight inaugural Service to Success grantees. The office aims to expand service opportunities statewide, helping Minnesotans contribute while creating career pathways for young people into in-demand jobs. Governor Walz said, “The value of public service is reflected in our people. Minnesotans lead the nation in consistently giving back to their communities.” He added that the office “expands opportunities to engage in this vital work, while building clear pathways for all people to serve their neighbors and support their communities, ensuring Minnesota remains the best place to raise a family.”
Addressing Supreme Court decisions, Governor Walz affirmed Minnesota's commitment to compassion for transgender student-athletes, despite the Court allowing states to choose exclusion. “As the Supreme Court says states can be cruel to trans kids, my message is clear: Here in Minnesota, we stand with and value our trans neighbors and youth,” he said. The Governor also applauded the Court's decision upholding birthright citizenship, stating, “Donald Trump does not decide who is American. The Supreme Court affirmed a defining principle of this great nation: If you are born on American soil, you are an American.”
Last week, Governor Walz's office filed 16 FOIA requests with various federal agencies within the Trump Administration. These requests seek records and communications related to "Minnesota," "Walz," "reckoning," "retribution," "punish," or "Democrat" since January 20, 2025, following what he described as a "coordinated campaign of retribution." This action comes after a U.S. District Chief Judge denied Department of Justice subpoenas targeting Minnesota officials, deeming them politically motivated and unconstitutional. Governor Walz said, “Today, we are taking steps to find out exactly how far this campaign reaches, who’s directing it, and what it has cost Minnesotans.”