Walz Faces Criticism Over Military Service and Deployment Decisions

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is under fire from members of his National Guard unit, who have labeled him “cowardly” for retiring just before a potential deployment. Corey Bjertness, a fellow soldier, criticized Walz for prioritizing his congressional campaign over his military obligations, stating that running for office is “not an excuse” for abandoning his unit. This backlash follows revelations that Walz had previously promised to deploy with his unit in 2005, despite his political ambitions. In March 2005, the National Guard Public Affairs Office announced a possible mobilization of troops, and Walz, then a candidate for Congress, expressed uncertainty about his unit's involvement. He emphasized his commitment to serving his country, whether in Washington, D.C., or Iraq. However, his decision to run for office while his unit faced deployment has raised questions about his dedication to military service. Allan Bonnifield, a soldier who served alongside Walz, noted that the governor carefully considered his decision to run for Congress, fully aware of the impending deployment. This has led to accusations of “stolen valor,” particularly regarding discrepancies in Walz’s military rank. While he retired as a master sergeant (E-8), his official biography previously suggested he held the rank of command sergeant major (E-9), a claim that was later amended by the Harris campaign. The controversy surrounding Walz's military service and his recent selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election continues to draw scrutiny, as critics question the integrity of his military record.