Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faced a hostile reception from military veterans during a public event at the Minnesota Capitol on Wednesday.
As reported [1] by The Gateway Pundit, Veterans in attendance heckled and booed Walz as he delivered remarks on military and veterans’ issues, shouting accusations of “stolen valor” over longstanding claims that Walz misrepresented his military service.
A man in the crowd could be heard yelling, “Shut your f*cking mouth!” as Walz spoke, underscoring the deep frustration among some veterans regarding the governor’s controversial military record.
Walz [2] served in the Army National Guard but never deployed to a combat zone. He retired from the Guard in 2005.
Critics point to multiple instances where Walz is accused of exaggerating or fabricating elements of his military service. In a 2006 veterans event, Walz introduced himself as a “retired command sergeant major.”
Tim Walz introduced himself at a 2006 veterans event as a “retired command sergeant major,” which is a lie. pic.twitter.com/1R0oyhD3wW [3]
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 8, 2024 [4]
However, official records and military sources have confirmed that Walz never held that rank. The highest rank he achieved was Sergeant Major, and he did not retire with that title.
Another video from 2009 shows Walz [5], then a sitting U.S. Congressman, delivering a farewell message to troops deploying to Iraq.
In the video, Walz refers to himself again as a “retired Command Sergeant Major,” a title he never legitimately held. Veterans and critics have labeled this as a clear case of stolen valor.
2009. Congressman Tim Walz sends a farewell message to some soldiers actually deploying to Iraq.
In the message, Walz claims that he is a “retired Command Sergeant Major.”
Lying about one’s rank in a farewell message to soldiers deploying is about as dishonorable as it gets. pic.twitter.com/f7AIqPK8ky [6]
— MAZE (@mazemoore) August 8, 2024 [7]
Adding to the controversy, Walz reportedly abandoned his battalion when they were deployed to Iraq so he could run for Congress. This decision has remained a point of contention for veterans who served alongside or under his command.
During his remarks at the Capitol on Wednesday, Walz also commented on Trump-era tariffs [8] and addressed legislation concerning veterans’ benefits. However, the focus of the crowd remained on his disputed military record.
Calls for accountability have grown louder, with some veterans insisting Walz should face consequences for allegedly lying about his service and military rank while serving in Congress and as governor.
🚨 Tim Walz was heckled and booed by military veterans in Minnesota today over his stolen valor. pic.twitter.com/It80ZIeZCC [9]
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) April 10, 2025 [10]
The ongoing backlash has overshadowed his recent elevation to the national stage as the vice-presidential pick for the Democratic ticket. Videos from Wednesday’s event continue to circulate online, further fueling the controversy surrounding his military record.