Gov. Walz says he won’t “Bend The Knee” to federal funding cuts, talks shutdown impact on producers

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he won’t submit to the Trump administration as the White House blocks funding for Democratic-led states during the federal government shutdown.

In an attempt to put pressure on Democrats and end the stalemate, the Trump administration cut funding to Democratic-led states.

That included $8 billion in climate funding for states including Minnesota.

State officials say they were mostly grants to private entities, but they were aware of some funding impacts for the Department of Commerce.

Walz accused the Trump administration of trying to “divide” Americans with the cuts.

He says the shutdown and trade issues are having a major effect on the state’s producers at harvest time.

“Some of the early hits will be in the Farm Service offices, the FSA offices, which are already under threat because this is the time they get used the most during harvest. Um, we’re seeing of course crisis in farm country because we’re not having soybean purchases made. I’m reminding people that these purchases that China is making elsewhere outside the United States are ten year contracts and it’s going to be very, very difficult for us to get back into the market,” said Walz.

Democrats are demanding Republicans restore healthcare tax credits cut under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act before they will agree to reopening the government.

Congress has no action scheduled today in observance of the Jewish holy day.