James Comer probes Tim Walz"s connections to China

Rep. James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, is intensifying his investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's connections to China. In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Comer expressed concerns regarding Walz's support for the Hormel Institute, which has collaborated with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a facility linked to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comer highlighted Walz's past congressional efforts that secured significant federal funding for the Hormel Institute, raising alarms about potential ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The investigation also scrutinizes Walz's extensive travel to China, including a honeymoon and a CCP-sponsored trip for students while he was a high school teacher. Additionally, Walz's teaching fellowship at Macau Polytechnic University, known for promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, has drawn scrutiny. Comer is concerned that these connections may have influenced Walz's decision-making as both a congressman and governor, and could pose risks if he were to assume a higher office. Comer’s letter references the abrupt resignation of the Hormel Institute's former executive director, Dr. Zigang Dong, amid an FBI probe regarding foreign funding disclosures. Dong has been a significant donor to Walz's political campaigns, further complicating the narrative surrounding Walz's affiliations. The FBI's Foreign Influence Task Force, established to counteract foreign influence operations, is also involved in the investigation. Comer has requested documentation from the FBI regarding Walz's interactions with Chinese entities and any related communications, setting a deadline for a response. The investigation reflects broader concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics, particularly regarding relationships with China.