New York Times Admits Tim Walz Misrepresented His Military Record

In a rare moment of self-correction, The New York Times acknowledged on Tuesday that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, now the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, had indeed misrepresented his military record. The admission comes after weeks of escalating controversy surrounding Walz's service in the Army National Guard, which has become a focal point of Republican attacks.

The controversy began when JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, accused Walz of "stolen valor," claiming he misled the public about his military experience. Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, asserted that Walz had exaggerated his service record by suggesting he served in combat zones and misleadingly portrayed his retirement from the National Guard as a way to avoid deployment to Iraq in 2005​.

Unbelievable. Another lie from lying Walz!

Tim Walz claimed multiple times that his children were conceived thanks to IVF treatment.

CNN reporting today that Gwen Walz never underwent IVF treatment. pic.twitter.com/0BqqNEsTW6

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 20, 2024

Walz's military service, spanning 24 years in the Army National Guard, has been a significant part of his political identity. However, scrutiny of his record reveals inconsistencies that have fueled Republican criticism. Walz reached the rank of Command Sergeant Major, but it was a provisional rank, which he lost upon retirement because he did not complete the required coursework. Consequently, he retired with the rank of Master Sergeant, a fact he and his campaign had often glossed over​.

Moreover, Walz's deployment history has been called into question. While he frequently mentioned his involvement in Operation Enduring Freedom, this deployment was limited to a non-combat role in Italy, providing security at Air Force bases. Critics argue that by linking his service to the broader Operation Enduring Freedom, Walz implied a closer association with the combat operations in Afghanistan, which was misleading.

CNN brutally fact checks Tim Walz for LYING about DUI arrest as 'mixup' due to hearing damage from military service.

"Walz was speeding 96 mph in a 55 zone… he failed a field sobriety test. His blood test was 0.128! He admitted in court that he had been drinking."

"NONE of… https://t.co/9R1mB75MXS pic.twitter.com/SNF3gaWaPu

— Recall Katie Hobbs (@AmericanHubener) August 20, 2024

The New York Times, in its recent report, highlighted these issues and noted that Walz's campaign had quietly updated his official biography, changing references to his rank and service record. This update followed increased pressure from Republicans who accused Walz of embellishing his military achievements to boost his political career​ .

The timing of Walz's retirement from the National Guard has also been a point of contention. Critics allege that he stepped down just as his unit was preparing for deployment to Iraq. However, Walz and his supporters maintain that his decision to retire was driven by his desire to run for Congress and that at the time of his retirement, there was only speculation about the deployment, which was not officially confirmed until months after he had left the service​ .

Republican attacks have drawn comparisons to the 2004 "Swift Boat" campaign against John Kerry, where a group of veterans questioned Kerry's military record during his presidential bid. Walz, like Kerry, has found his service record under intense scrutiny as he campaigns on a national stage. His critics, particularly those who served with him, have been vocal, with some accusing him of using his military service as a political tool while downplaying the contributions of others who served in more dangerous capacities​.

Despite the controversy, Walz has stood by his service, defending his record at campaign events and emphasizing his pride in his military career. "I am damn proud of my service to the country," Walz declared at a recent rally, pushing back against what he called attempts to "denigrate" his service. He has framed the attacks as part of a broader effort to undermine veterans who choose to serve in public office​.