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. 

In response to the Republican letter, 18 Democratic military veteran members of Congress have issued a statement in defense of Governor Walz.

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 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.”

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. 

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. 

The letter explicitly accuses Walz of betraying military comrades.

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.

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 is not the first time Walz’s military record has been questioned. 

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. 

Despite the heavy criticisms, Walz has stood firm in defending his military record.