Controversial Cleric at Minnesota Governor's Inauguration

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is facing backlash following the resurfacing of a 2018 video in which he praised Imam Asad Zaman, a controversial figure known for his past comments supporting Adolf Hitler and his refusal to condemn the Hamas attacks on October 7. In the footage, Walz, then a gubernatorial candidate, expressed gratitude to Zaman during an event hosted by the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, highlighting the lessons he learned from the imam and his commitment to combating the demonization of Islam and immigrants. The criticism intensified after it was revealed that Zaman had previously promoted a neo-Nazi propaganda film on social media and had expressed unwavering support for Palestinians following the recent Hamas attacks. In a Facebook post, Zaman condemned Israeli actions and called for U.S. pressure on Israel, further complicating Walz's association with him. The governor's office has emphasized that Walz does not maintain a personal relationship with Zaman and has condemned Hamas terrorism. The Republican Jewish Coalition has voiced strong disapproval, stating that Walz's past praise for Zaman is an affront to the American Jewish community, especially amid rising antisemitism. They argue that such associations undermine trust in political leaders during a critical time for Israel's security. Zaman, who has been involved in various events with Walz, including his inauguration, has a history of sharing antisemitic content and has been a recipient of significant state funding for his organization. As the controversy unfolds, the Harris-Walz campaign continues to defend the governor's stance, asserting that he remains committed to social justice while distancing himself from Zaman's more extreme views.