The GOP’s dubious attack on Tim Waltz’s military record, briefly explained

To undermine Vice President Kamala Harris’ newly announced running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, Republicans are launching a fierce attack on his military record. Upon closer analysis, the allegations appear to be misleading or exaggerated, a clear escalation by the Trump campaign against the Democratic camp.

The attacks began on Aug. 7, when Ohio Sen. JD Vance, President Donald Trump’s running mate, tried to boast that he had more military experience than Waltz. Before running for Congress, Waltz served in the Army National Guard for 24 years, while Vance served in the Marines for four years. Neither has ever been in combat.

“When the United States Marine Corps, when the United States of America asked me to serve my country in Iraq, I said yes. I did what they asked, and I did it honorably, and I am very proud of that service,” Vance said. “When the country asked Tim Waltz to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He quit the Army and left his unit to go on its own.”

But Vance’s sweeping statement left out some key elements. For example, Waltz Retired in 2005His unit had received official notice two months earlier that it would be deployed to Iraq. Republican attacks on Walz’s services – he Distortion of facts As a retired Command Sergeant, his rank is also more complicated: although he once held this rank, his rank was changed after retirement because he Failure to complete required courses.

However Another Republican claim Walz has misrepresented his military service in past statements by suggesting he served in a war zone, and the language he used in this case appears to be less than accurate.

Such attacks are not unprecedented: Republicans appear to be resorting to the “speedboat attack” tactic they used against former Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, who used a small speedboat used by Kerry in the Vietnam War to try to discredit his character by questioning his service in Vietnam.

It is worth noting that the campaign against Kerry was planned by Chris LaCivita – Now a Notable Staff Member About former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Waltz has faced questions about his military service before, including during his 2018 run for Minnesota governor. In that and this campaign, several veterans have come to his defense. In an interview with the Minnesota Star-Tribune in 2022“He was a great soldier. When he chose to leave, he had every right to leave.”

The Harris campaign, for its part, highlighted Walz’s tenure and policy record. “After 24 years of service, Governor Walz retired in 2005 and ran for Congress, where he was a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform,” the Harris campaign told Vox in a statement. The campaign also noted that Walz served as the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and supported funding and mental health resources for the military.

Republicans’ allegations against Waltz focus on three issues: his decision to retire from the National Guard in 2005, his rank when he retired, and his comments about carrying weapons “in the midst of war.” Here’s what we know about each allegation.

What we know is: It is noteworthy that Waltz May 2005Two months before his unit received official orders to deploy to Iraq, he said in 2009 The reason for his retirement was to run for the House of Representatives (and win the following year) while avoiding violating the Hatch Act (which prohibits federal employees from engaging in certain political activities).

Walz filed his candidacy before the National Guard notified him that his unit might be deployed to Iraq, and it is unclear whether he knew of the possibility at the time.

Here is a more detailed timeline of what happened.

February 10, 2005: Walz files documents The Federal Election Commission announced that he will run for the House seat in Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District.

March 17, 2005: National Guard notifies members The possibility of deploying to Iraq within the next two years. 2,000 members It is likely to be sent by the Minnesota National Guard, which could include some or all of Walz’s battalion.

March 20, 2005: Waltz issued a statement Responded to the National Guard’s notice, saying he intends to continue serving and to continue his run for Congress.

“I do not know yet if my artillery unit will be participating in this mobilization, and I cannot comment further on the specifics of the deployment,” he said. “As the command sergeant major, I have the responsibility not only to have my unit ready for Iraq, but also to be available when needed. I am committed to serving my country in any way I can, whether it be in Washington, D.C. or in Iraq.”

May 16, 2005: Walz retires from the National Guard following comments from the Minnesota Army National Guard Courtesy of CBS News.

July 14, 2005: Waltz’s battalion received mobilization orders to Iraq.

March 2006: Walz’s unit is Deployed to Iraq.

On the Harris campaign website Waltz is listed as a “retired command sergeant major” on the Minnesota state government website, according to CBS.

Republicans say this is an inaccurate description of his title. Changes have been made to the Harris campaign website It should be noted that this title is His highest military rank.

What we know is: Waltz did receive the rank of Command Sergeant Major. However, upon his retirement, his title was changed to Master Sergeant, as He did not complete the required courses Retire with a promoted title.

So, to say he was a former command sergeant is accurate, but to say he is a “retired command sergeant” is not.

“We can ensure that those weapons that I carry into war are the only places where those weapons are stored,” Waltz said in his speech. About the 2018 Assault Weapons Ban.

Vance argued that Walz’s comments implied he participated in the fight, which was not the case.

What we know is: In August 2003, Waltz was deployed to Vicenza, Italy, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. But not in a war zone.

He said during his gun control speech that he carried weapons “in war,” which is not accurate. While technically correct given the actions he participated in, it seemed to imply that he did not have that experience. Waltz has publicly acknowledged in other interviews He saw no combat during his deployment.

In response, Harris’ campaign highlighted Waltz’s firearms training. “He has carried, fired, and trained others to use weapons of war countless times during his 24 years as governor,” Harris’ campaign told Vox in a statement. “Governor Waltz would never insult or undermine any American’s service to this country — in fact, he thanked Senator Vance for giving his life for our country. It’s the American way.”