“Vice President Harris’ Running Mate Faces Accusations of Stolen Valor: Clarifying Gov. Tim Walz’s Military Record”

## Accusations of “Stolen Valor” Surround Governor Tim Walz’s Military Record

### Governor Tim Walz’s Controversial Statement on Weapons of War

Vice President Harris’ presidential campaign has acknowledged that Governor Tim Walz misspoke about his past military service, causing a growing number of critics to accuse him of “stolen valor.” In response to these allegations, Team Harris released a statement to NBC News, affirming that Governor Walz would never undermine or insult anyone’s service to the country. They emphasized his gratitude towards Senator Vance for his dedication to the nation’s safety, stating that Governor Walz believes that only military members who have been trained to handle deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance, who prioritize the gun lobby over the safety of children.

### Pressure Mounts on Governor Walz to Clarify Military Record

Governor Tim Walz has been under increasing pressure to clarify his military record since a video from 2018 surfaced, in which he referred to his National Guard career as a basis for advocating for stricter gun control. The clip, which was posted on Harris’ campaign account, shows Walz asserting that he had carried “weapons of war” during his time in the military and that these weapons should only be found in war zones.

### The Truth About Governor Walz’s Military Service

While Governor Walz did serve in the National Guard for 24 years, it is important to note that he did not see combat in any war. Furthermore, he retired from his unit shortly before they were deployed to Iraq, explaining that his decision was driven by the desire to run for Congress. This revelation has drawn criticism from veterans and the general public alike, who accuse him of misleading them about his military experience. Additionally, Walz has been accused of embellishing his rank, as he has referred to himself as a retired Command Sergeant Major when, in reality, he was demoted to a master sergeant upon retirement.

### JD Vance Seizes the Opportunity to Criticize Governor Walz

Senator JD Vance, who was formerly Donald Trump’s running mate, has taken advantage of this controversy surrounding Governor Walz’s military record. Vance condemned Walz for engaging in what he referred to as “stolen valor garbage,” urging him not to pretend to be something he is not. As a Marine veteran, Vance expressed his personal disappointment in Walz’s dishonesty, stating that he would be ashamed if he had lied about his own military service.

The allegations of “stolen valor” against Governor Tim Walz have stirred up significant controversy, with critics calling for transparency and accountability regarding his military record. The debate surrounding this issue highlights the importance of politicians accurately representing their experiences and qualifications, particularly when it comes to matters of national security and public trust.