Harris campaign admits Walz ‘misspoke’ about past military career as ‘stolen valor’ criticism grows

Vice President Harris’ presidential campaign admitted Friday that her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz “misspoke” about his past military service as a growing chorus of critics accuse him of “stolen valor.” “Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any American’s service to this country — in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life

Vice President Harris’ presidential campaign admitted Friday that her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz “misspoke” about his past military service as a growing chorus of critics accuse him of “stolen valor.”

“Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any American’s service to this country — in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. It’s the American way,” Team Harris said in a statement to NBC News Friday.

“In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke. He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.”

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz in a suit and tie, speaking into microphones at a campaign rally in Glendale, Arizona, on August 9, 2024
Gov. Tim Walz is facing accusations of stolen valor. Getty Images

Walz had been facing pressure to clarify his military record after a 2018 video surfaced of him touting his career in the National Guard as a reason for increased gun control.

“We can make sure that those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are at,” Walz said in the clip, which was posted to Harris’ own campaign X account on Tuesday.

While Walz served 24 years in the National Guard, he never saw combat in war and infamously retired from his unit shortly before they were deployed to Iraq. Walz said he bolted so he could run for Congress.

Walz has also faced heat from veterans for embellishing his rank. The two-term governor of Minnesota has also long identified himself as a retired Command Sergeant Major — a falsehood as he was demoted when he retired to just a master sergeant.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivering a speech at a campaign rally in Glendale, Arizona, alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
Kamala Harris’ campaign admitted that Walz “misposke” about his military record. REUTERS

Sen. JD Vance, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, has looked to capitalize on the issue.

“What bothers me about Tim Walz is this stolen valor garbage. Do not pretend to be something that you’re not,” the Marine veteran said. “I’d be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did.”

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply
Related Posts
Simone Biles Doesn’t Perform New Bars Skill In All-Around Final—But Still Wins Gold
Read More

Simone Biles Doesn’t Perform New Bars Skill In All-Around Final—But Still Wins Gold

Forbes Business Breaking Simone Biles Doesn’t Perform New Bars Skill In All-Around Final—But Still Wins Gold Molly Bohannon Forbes Staff Molly Bohannon has been a Forbes news reporter since 2023. Following Aug 1, 2024, 02:35pm EDT Updated Aug 1, 2024, 02:43pm EDT Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Topline U.S. gymnast Simone
Terrifying video shows ‘zombie’ drug addicts sheltering in Alberta bus station just hours before school children arrive in scenes hauntingly similar to The Walking Dead
Read More

Terrifying video shows ‘zombie’ drug addicts sheltering in Alberta bus station just hours before school children arrive in scenes hauntingly similar to The Walking Dead

Terrifying video has emerged of drug addicts at a bus station waiting room just hours before school children made their way to school. The disturbing footage, reminiscent of the television show The Walking Dead, was shot at Clareview bus station in Edmonton, a city of one million people, with city officials seemingly powerless to do
Trump blasts FBI Director Wray’s testimony of ‘shrapnel’ hitting him and not a bullet
Read More

Trump blasts FBI Director Wray’s testimony of ‘shrapnel’ hitting him and not a bullet

close Video No motive found in Trump assassination attempt yet Fox News national correspondent Jeff Paul joins 'Jesse Watters Primetime' with new details on the assassination attempt against former President Trump. Former President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on Thursday evening to rip into FBI Director Christopher Wray after his congressional hearing regarding
Daniel Kretinsky’s £3.4 billion takeover of Royal Mail is suspended amid probe over Czech billionaire’s potential links to Russia
Read More

Daniel Kretinsky’s £3.4 billion takeover of Royal Mail is suspended amid probe over Czech billionaire’s potential links to Russia

The takeover of Royal Mail has been suspended as its Czech buyer faces scrutiny over potential links with Russia. Daniel Kretinsky's £3.4 billion deal to snap up the postal service's parent company has been thrown into question after a government probe was launched this week. The takeover process to buy International Distribution Services (IDS) was