‘Stolen valor’ letter delivers political blow to Walz as VP candidate touts military service in DNC speech

The Trump campaign is pushing back against Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz with a letter signed by dozens of veterans serving in Congress. The letter, distributed on Thursday, criticizes Walz over accusations of “stolen valor,” a serious charge questioning the authenticity of his military service.

Walz, who joined the Nebraska National Guard as a teenager and later served in Minnesota, has been under scrutiny for the timing of his retirement from the military. He fulfilled his 20-year service requirement in 2001, but questions have been raised about his decision to retire just months before his unit was deployed to Iraq in 2005.

Leading the charge against Walz is retired Army sergeant and Florida Congressman Brian Mast, along with other veterans-turned-lawmakers like Senators Joni Ernst, Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, and Roger Wicker. In their letter, they argue that the role of vice president demands trust and a strong commitment to duty. They accuse Walz of dishonoring his service by falsely claiming to be a “retired command sergeant major” and misrepresenting his military experience.

The letter goes on to say that until Walz admits to misleading the public, he cannot be trusted to serve as vice president. This criticism comes amid growing frustration among veterans, especially after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal under the Biden administration. Congressman Mast highlighted the anger felt by many veterans, pointing to the emotional outbursts during this year’s State of the Union as evidence of the deep disappointment in the current leadership.

The Trump campaign’s letter is part of a broader effort to challenge Walz’s credibility, as they continue to rally support among veterans and other voters concerned about national security and military issues.