The military service of Gov. Tim Walz has become a flashpoint in a heated political battle, with 50 Republican military veteran members of Congress accusing him of misrepresenting his military record.
In a letter addressed to Walz, the GOP veterans demanded that the Minnesota governor "come clean" about his service, igniting a partisan clash that has drawn support and condemnation from both sides of the aisle.
The letter, shared with POLITICO, brought together an array of Republicans, from staunch Trump allies to more moderate voices, united in their criticism of Walz. Among the signatories were high-profile figures such as Sens. Joni Ernst, Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, and Roger Wicker, as well as Rep. Brian Mast, a combat veteran who lost his legs in Afghanistan.
The GOP lawmakers' letter centers on what they describe as "egregious misrepresentations" of Walz’s military service. Walz, who served 24 years in the Army National Guard, has faced scrutiny over inconsistencies in his military record, particularly following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
Critics accuse Walz of inflating his military accomplishments, with the letter alleging that he "lied" about his service. The letter expressed outrage, stating that Walz’s actions have violated the trust of fellow veterans.
Sen. JD Vance, a vocal critic who has accused the governor of engaging in "stolen valor, " is leading the charge against Walz. Vance emphasized that Walz has never served in a combat zone and called on him to stop pretending to be something he's not.
In response to the GOP’s letter, 18 Democratic military veteran members of Congress signed a statement defending Walz’s military record. They praised him as a "steadfast advocate for veterans and military families," pushing back against the Republican attacks.
Walz’s spokesperson echoed this sentiment, referencing the Democrats' statement as a testament to the governor’s dedication to the military community. Additionally, the Harris campaign released an open letter signed by 1,000 military veterans in support of Walz.
The controversy surrounding Walz’s military record has been exacerbated by the Harris campaign's initial description of Walz as a "retired Command Sergeant Major." Though he once held the rank, he was later demoted before his retirement in 2005.
The allegations against Walz have reignited old criticisms. During his 2018 gubernatorial race, Walz was accused of misrepresenting his rank and his decision to run for Congress in 2005, allegedly to avoid deployment to Iraq.
At a recent event in Los Angeles, Walz addressed the accusations, defending his service record and expressing pride in his military career. He extended gratitude to all veterans, including his political opponents, acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
Despite his defense, Walz remains a target for critics like Vance, who continue to challenge his military credibility. Vance has been relentless in his criticism, accusing Walz of lying about his military service, further fueling the controversy.
The ongoing scrutiny underscores the high stakes of military service in American politics, particularly for those seeking national office. As Walz continues to defend his record, the question of how military service is represented and perceived remains central to the debate.
