JD Vance says Tim Walz lied about military service

Senator JD Vance, a Republican from Ohio, made headlines on Wednesday by accusing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of avoiding military service and misleading the public about his veteran status. The accusation came during a campaign rally in Detroit where Vance was addressing questions from reporters about Walz’s attempt to portray him as an elite Ivy League-educated individual.

Vance, who emphasized his humble background and hard-earned success, criticized Walz for trying to discredit his achievements. He highlighted his own service in the Marine Corps, stating that he willingly went to Iraq when called upon by his country. In contrast, Vance claimed that Walz had abandoned his unit in the Army when asked to deploy to Iraq, a decision that drew criticism from fellow servicemen.

Not stopping there, Vance pointed out Walz’s use of his military background to advocate for stricter gun control laws. He questioned the governor’s credibility in discussing weapons used in war, given that Walz had not seen combat and had left his unit before deployment. Vance condemned what he described as “stolen valor,” insinuating that Walz was dishonestly leveraging his military history for political gain.

Further adding to the scrutiny, Vance called on reporters to press both Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris for their actions and statements. Harris, who has faced criticism for avoiding the press, has been urged by Vance to answer questions in light of recent political developments.

Former President Trump, on the other hand, has accused Harris of relying too heavily on scripted speeches and avoiding unscripted interactions with the public. This critique comes as Harris takes on a more prominent role following Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse her.

Overall, Vance’s allegations against Walz have stirred controversy and raised questions about the true extent of the governor’s military service and the sincerity of his advocacy efforts. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Walz and Harris will address these criticisms and engage with the media and the public.