Fifty Republican members of Congress, all veterans, have collectively expressed their concerns to Governor Tim Walz about what they term “egregious misrepresentations” of his military service.
The Republicans, ranging from staunch Trump supporters to moderates, urge Walz to “come clean” about his service record. The letter was shared with POLITICO and highlights a significant political rift.
Democratic Veterans Stand by Walz
In response to the Republican letter, 18 Democratic military veteran members of Congress have issued a statement in defense of Governor Walz.
They describe him as a dedicated advocate for both veterans and military families, countering the claims made by their Republican counterparts. This statement was also signed and released last Friday, emphasizing support within Walz’s party.
Walz’s Military Service Under Scrutiny
The controversy surrounding Walz began to gain traction after his nomination as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, when several discrepancies about his military service came to light.
The GOP letter accuses him of not being fully honest about the nature of his military service, bringing his integrity into question during the campaign season.
GOP’s Strong Words Against Walz
The Republican veterans wrote in their letter, “You have stated that you are ‘damn proud’ of your service, and like any American veteran, you should be. But there is no honor in lying about the nature of your service.”
This direct quote from their letter underscores the serious tone of their allegations.
Key Signatories of the Letter
Prominent Republican figures such as Senators Joni Ernst, Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, and Roger Wicker, along with Representative Brian Mast, who is noted for his service in Afghanistan where he lost his legs, are among the signatories.
Their involvement signifies the importance of the allegations being raised.
Broad Republican Support
The letter features signatures from a diverse group of Republican House members, ranging from Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska to Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana.
This illustrates widespread concern among GOP veterans over Walz’s alleged misrepresentations.
Accusations of Betrayal
The letter explicitly accuses Walz of betraying military comrades.
It states, “You have violated the trust of our brothers and sisters in arms. Their blood, sweat, and sacrifice are the only reason our nation is able to exist. Until you admit you lied to them, there is no way you can be trusted to serve as Vice President.”
Walz’s Team Responds
In light of the accusations, a spokesperson for Walz highlighted recent support from Democratic members of Congress and an open letter from 1,000 military veterans that describes Walz as a steadfast advocate for veterans and military families.
This response aims to counteract the damaging claims and bolster Walz’s credibility.
Discrepancies in Military Rank and Statements
Further complicating matters, the Harris campaign initially referred to Walz as a “retired Command Sergeant Major,” a title he did not hold upon retirement.
This error, along with other misstatements about his military service, has added fuel to the controversy surrounding his candidacy.
Ongoing Controversy from Past Campaigns
This is not the first time Walz’s military record has been questioned.
During his 2018 run for governor, similar accusations were levied against him, with critics claiming he misrepresented his rank. These recurring issues continue to shadow Walz’s political career.
Trump and Vance Join the Critique
Amidst the ongoing debate, former President Trump and his running mate JD Vance have criticized Walz, with Vance accusing him of “stolen valor” during a campaign stop.
These comments have intensified the scrutiny on Walz’s military claims as the election approaches.
Walz Defends His Record
Despite the heavy criticisms, Walz has stood firm in defending his military record.
At an event in Los Angeles, he emphatically said, “I am damn proud of my service to the country,” and extended thanks to all military personnel for their service and sacrifice, reinforcing his pride in his military past.
