At a campaign stop in Michigan, JD Vance criticized Kamala Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, for allegedly being “dishonest” about his military service. Vance accused Walz of leaving his Army National Guard unit before their deployment to Iraq in 2005 to run for Congress.
Vance, speaking to CNN, claimed, “When the United States asked me to go to Iraq, I did it honorably. When Tim Walz was asked, he dropped out and let his unit go without him.”
Vance also accused Walz of lying about his combat service, suggesting he misrepresented his role in discussions about gun control. “He said weapons he used in war shouldn’t be on America’s streets, but he was in the National Guard, not the combat zone,” Vance added.
In response, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Walz, highlighting his 24 years of service in the Army National Guard and his background as a high school teacher and coach. “His record speaks for itself,” Jean-Pierre said.
Tim Walz has faced previous criticism regarding his National Guard exit but maintains pride in his service. “I did 24 years and have an honorable record,” Walz told the Star Tribune. Joseph Eustice, a 32-year veteran and former leader of Walz’s battalion, supported Walz, saying, “He was a great soldier and had every right to leave.”
