Tim Walz’s sister has expressed that she does not recognize the individuals wearing “Nebraska Walz’s for Trump” T-shirts in a viral photo, which has gained attention on social media. It has been revealed that these individuals are distant cousins of the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
The photo features eight smiling people donned in navy pro-Trump shirts, standing under a sign proclaiming “Trump 2024 — Take America Back.” Former President Donald Trump later shared the image on his Truth Social platform, stating, “It is a Great Honor to have your Endorsement. I look forward to meeting you soon!”
Initially posted on X by Charles Herbster, a former governor candidate in Nebraska endorsed by Trump in 2022, Herbster’s spokesperson confirmed that those in the picture are relatives of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. According to Rod Edwards, “The family in the picture are the descendants of Francis Walz, who was brother to Tim Walz’s grandfather. They’re all Walzes and spouses.”
The descendants of Francis Walz verified their connection to Tim Walz in a statement to the Associated Press, explaining that the photo was taken during a family gathering after Walz was named the Democratic vice presidential nominee. They explained that they created the shirts in support of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.
“We are the Nebraska Walz family and we are related to Gov. Tim Walz; our grandfathers were brothers. The message on the shirts speaks for itself: ‘Nebraska Walzs for Trump,’” the statement read.
Sandy Dietrich, Tim Walz’s sister from Alliance, Nebraska, indicated that she suspected the individuals might be from that branch of the family, but acknowledged they had little familiarity with them. “We weren’t close with them. We didn’t know them,” she stated, identifying herself and her immediate family as “Democrats for Tim.”
In contrast, Tim Walz’s older brother, Jeff Walz from Florida, has publicly voiced his opposition to his brother’s candidacy. Reports from the New York Post include comments from him expressing his discontent with Tim’s political views, stating, “The stories I could tell. Not the type of character you want making decisions about your future.”
Jeff Walz shared that he learned about Tim being chosen as Kamala Harris’ running mate from the radio and emphasized he did not wish to influence political matters. He noted a lack of communication with his younger brother since their other brother’s funeral in 2016, aside from a brief interaction through their mother last month.
Reflecting on their childhood, Jeff mentioned that he and others would avoid sitting with Tim due to his car sickness. He clarified that his earlier comments were meant to reflect those childhood experiences and insisted there was nothing deeper to his remarks. Jeff Walz also indicated he would not be making any further statements on the matter.