Pam Bondi dealt bad news from Minnesota governor - Brian Tyler Cohen
Summary
Background: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz responds to a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding state concessions following federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, including a fatal shooting by federal agents.
Brian speaks with Marc Elias from Democracy Docket and Rep. Ro Khanna of California regarding the situation.
Bondi's Demands:
Share state Medicaid and SNAP program records with federal government
Repeal sanctuary city policies
Grant DOJ access to Minnesota's voter registration data
Walz's Response:
Rejects the letter as not a "serious attempt" at cooperation
States Minnesota already cooperates with federal authorities on detainee transfers
Counters by reminding Bondi she's over a month late releasing the Epstein files she promised
Key Concerns Raised:
Timing and tactics: The demands came immediately after federal agents shot and killed someone during "Operation Metro Surge," appearing to use violence as leverage for political concessions
Voter data focus: Critics argue the administration wants voter information to influence the 2026 midterm elections, not for legitimate law enforcement purposes
Legal issues: Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon called the request an "outrageous attempt to coerce" the state into violating state and federal privacy laws
Broader Context:
The DOJ is in active litigation with 24 states over similar voter data requests
Bondi previously claimed Epstein client lists were on her desk but has only released already-public documents
Some Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie, are reportedly considering impeachment proceedings against Bondi