Jim Acosta Sets the Record Straight on JD Vance's Military Service

During a CNN segment on Wednesday, Jim Acosta confronted Minnesota Senator Tina Smith after she inaccurately claimed that GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance had no military service. Smith, a surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris, was responding to Vance's assertion that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was misleading the public about his veteran status. Vance, who served in the Marines and was deployed to Iraq, has been vocal about his military background. In her remarks, Smith highlighted Walz's military service, stating he enlisted at 17 and served in the National Guard for 24 years. However, she mistakenly asserted that Vance had no military experience. Acosta intervened, correcting her by stating, "He was in the Marines," to which Smith acknowledged her error and moved on with the discussion. Vance, who served as a corporal in the public affairs section of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, has been critical of Walz's military record. He accused Walz of avoiding service during the Iraq War, claiming that Walz dropped out of the Army, leaving his unit without support. Vance emphasized his commitment to serving honorably when called upon by the military, contrasting his actions with those of Walz. The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding military service and veteran status in the current election cycle, as candidates seek to leverage their backgrounds to gain voter support.