Walz tries to downplay law he signed to benefit illegal aliens in Minnesota: 'That's not the vice president's place'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday tried to distance Vice President Kamala Harris from a law he signed that provides benefits to illegal immigrants in Minnesota.

Walz made the comments during a wide-ranging interview with Fox News Sunday host Shannon Bream. Bream questioned Walz about his military record and abortion record, as well as about a bill he signed in Minnesota that would allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses, receive state tuition assistance and other benefits.

“Aren't they magnets that draw people here who make dangerous journeys over and over again? And why should taxpayers in Minnesota and across the state have to pay for these programs?” Bream asked.

“Well, that's not the position of the vice president,” Walz acknowledged, but went on to defend his leadership in Minnesota.

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“But let me tell you this: Minnesota is ranked in the top five states for business. We are ranked in the top three states in number of children. We are ranked in the top state in access to health care.” he said. “Look, the vice president has made it clear that she has a policy that will make a difference. Her border policy is the strongest and fairest we've ever seen.”

Bream also asked Walz to clarify the ticket's position on abortion access. The exchange ultimately led Walz to directly accuse former President Trump of lying when he said he would not sign a national abortion ban.

Bream first noted that Minnesota's abortion law imposes no restrictions on abortion procedures during the first nine months of pregnancy, which goes far beyond the provisions of Roe v. Wade, which Harris and Walz said they supported. It was pointed out that it exceeded.

Walz said the immigration law he signed in Minnesota does not represent Vice President Kamala Harris' position. (Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“You signed a bill that makes it legal for nine months straight. Do you think that's a position that Democrats should advocate nationally?” Bream asked.

“The Vice President and I have been clear that restoring Roe v. Wade is what we want,” Walz responded.

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“But this law goes far beyond Roe v. Wade,” Bream pressed. “Let's agree. What you signed does not have a limit of nine months of pregnancy. Roe had a three-trimester framework that had a limit of up to three months of pregnancy. Minnesota law has no such limitation. There are no regulations.”

“This doesn't change anything. It leaves the decision up to the woman and her doctor,” Walz responded. “And we know this is something that simply needs to be addressed. To be clear, Donald Trump is calling for a nationwide abortion ban.”

“(President Trump) has repeatedly said he would not sign a national abortion ban. Are you saying that is a flat-out lie?” Bream asked.

“Yes, absolutely. Senator Vance has said that in the past,” Walz said.

Walz accused President Trump of lying when he promised not to sign a federal abortion ban. (Matthew McDermott, Fox News Digital)

Bream concluded the interview by giving Walz an opportunity to respond to repeated criticisms of his “false statements,” including claims about his military service and that he was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square massacre.

“Look, I'm speaking passionately. I had an entire career decades before I entered public service. They know, and I'm proud of my 24 years of service and my accomplishments. I've never disrespected anyone else for this, but I know that's not what Donald Trump does. “There are,” Walz said.

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“I admit when I say something wrong. I admit when I make a mistake. Let me be clear: On the debate stage the other day, I asked a very simple question, and Sen. Vance “Trump refused to admit he lost the 2020 election,” he concluded.