Tim Walz's Alarming Ties to Controversial Muslim Cleric

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has faced mounting criticism after a resurfaced video showed him praising a Muslim cleric known for his antisemitic and radical views. Critics question Walz's judgment and association with such a controversial figure.

A video has emerged of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz extolling the virtues of Imam Asad Zaman, a Muslim cleric with a history of antisemitic and radical views. The video, which dates back to 2018, has reignited controversy over Walz's association with Zaman and raised concerns about the governor's judgment.

Zaman has repeatedly used his online platforms to promote harmful narratives, including sharing pro-Hitler propaganda and celebrating the anniversary of a massacre of Jews. His Facebook page has been used to spread official Hamas press releases and blog posts from antisemitic websites.

Tim Walz's Alarming Ties to Controversial Muslim Cleric

Despite Zaman's incendiary views, Walz has not distanced himself from the cleric. In the resurfaced video, Walz praised Zaman as a "master teacher" and expressed admiration for his perspective on life. The governor's comments have raised eyebrows, given Zaman's well-documented radicalism.

Over the past several years, Walz and Zaman have made repeated public appearances together. Zaman delivered the invocation at Walz's State of the State address, appealed for calm during the George Floyd riots, and joined the governor in condemning mosque vandalism.

Tim Walz's Alarming Ties to Controversial Muslim Cleric

Critics allege that Walz's alliance with Zaman is a strategic move to secure the Muslim voting bloc in Minnesota. "Walz has been willfully ignorant of Zaman's radicalism because he relies on the Arab or Muslim voting bloc and cannot do anything that would make him appear Islamophobic," said Sam Westrop of The Middle East Forum.

The governor's administration has also provided substantial financial support to Zaman's group, the Muslim American Society of Minnesota (MAS). According to state records, Walz's administration has donated over $100,000 to MAS.

Tim Walz's Alarming Ties to Controversial Muslim Cleric

The revelations about Walz's ties to Zaman have prompted calls for the governor to reconsider his association with the cleric. Critics argue that Walz's association with Zaman undermines his credibility and raises questions about his fitness for office.

The Minnesota Muslim American Society is a chapter of the Muslim American Society (MAS), which has been designated a terrorist group by the United Arab Emirates. Federal prosecutors have described MAS as "founded as the overt arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in the U.S."

Tim Walz's Alarming Ties to Controversial Muslim Cleric

The emergence of the video and the revelation of Walz's financial support for Zaman's group have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for the governor to clarify his stance on radicalism. The controversy is likely to cast a shadow over Walz's political future and further scrutiny of his judgment and associations.