Tim Walz Accused of Exaggerating Military Record for Political Gain

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has faced criticism for allegedly exaggerating elements of his career, including his military service and a 1995 drunk driving incident, in order to gain political advantage.

Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker has accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of "gilding his résumé for political gain" in an op-ed published on Friday. Parker cited several instances where Walz has allegedly exaggerated his accomplishments, including his military record and his handling of a 1995 drunk driving arrest.

Walz, who is currently the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, has been forced to defend his record in the National Guard after several veterans who served alongside him disputed his claims about his service. Veterans have accused Walz of exaggerating his role in combat and his achievements while serving in the Guard.

Tim Walz Accused of Exaggerating Military Record for Political Gain

In a 2006 interview with CNN, Walz claimed to have carried a gun "in war" despite never being deployed to a combat zone. Parker criticized Walz for his evasive and ambiguous response when asked about this claim during a recent interview with CNN, accusing him of "sputtering evasive nonsense and, to be rhetorically accurate, gobbledygook."

Parker also pointed to Walz's 2006 congressional campaign's statements on his 1995 drunk driving incident. Campaign staff claimed that Walz was not drinking at the time of his arrest and failed to understand the police officer's directions because of hearing loss, blaming an injury relating to his time in the National Guard. However, police records indicate that Walz's blood alcohol level was 0.128, well above the state's legal limit.

Tim Walz Accused of Exaggerating Military Record for Political Gain

Veterans who served alongside Walz have also disputed his claims about his service record. One veteran, who served in the same battalion as Walz, accused him of "stolen valor" for exaggerating his role in combat.

Walz's campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment on these allegations.

Tim Walz Accused of Exaggerating Military Record for Political Gain

Parker's accusations add to a growing number of controversies surrounding Walz's candidacy. In addition to the allegations about his military record and his handling of the drunk driving incident, Walz has also been criticized for his stance on abortion and his support for COVID-19 restrictions.

As Walz and Harris continue to campaign for the vice presidency, it remains to be seen whether these allegations will have a significant impact on their chances of winning the election.