What to Know About the ‘Walz’s for Trump’

A viral photo circulating on social media shows individuals wearing 'Nebraska Walz’s for Trump' T-shirts, which has drawn attention due to their connection to Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee. The photo was initially shared by Charles Herbster, a former Nebraska gubernatorial candidate endorsed by Trump. According to Herbster's spokesperson, the individuals in the photo are distant cousins of Tim Walz, being descendants of Francis Walz, who was the brother of Tim's grandfather. They confirmed their familial relationship in a statement, expressing their support for Trump and J.D. in the photo. Tim Walz's sister, Sandy Dietrich, acknowledged that the individuals might be from that branch of the family, although she stated she did not recognize them. She and Tim's father passed away when he was a teenager, which may explain the lack of familiarity. Meanwhile, Tim's older brother, Jeff Walz, has publicly expressed his discontent regarding Tim's political career, particularly his selection as Kamala Harris's running mate, which he learned about through the radio. Jeff Walz has distanced himself from the political debate, stating he does not wish to influence it and has not spoken to Tim since their younger brother's funeral in 2016. His comments about 'stories' from their childhood have led to speculation, but he clarified that they do not pertain to current political matters. The family dynamics appear strained, with differing political views contributing to the rift. The situation highlights the complexities of family relationships in the context of political affiliations, especially when distant relatives publicly support opposing candidates. The Nebraska Walz family’s support for Trump contrasts sharply with Tim Walz's Democratic candidacy, illustrating the diverse political landscape within families.