Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is focusing on a potential vulnerability for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz related to his exit from the Army National Guard nearly two decades ago. Walz, who was introduced Tuesday as Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice for running mate, left his 24-year military career in 2005 to pursue a political career, just months before the unit he commanded was deployed to Iraq.
Walz’s formal retirement from the Minnesota National Guard occurred in May 2005, shortly before his unit was alerted for deployment in July, and subsequently deployed in October. He filed to run for Congress in January 2005, with the Federal Election Commission validating his paperwork the following month.
Senator JD Vance, R-Ohio, Trump’s running mate and a Marine veteran who served in Iraq, criticized Walz during a Michigan news conference, stating, “When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, he dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him. This has led to substantial criticism from many of his fellow servicemen.” Vance described Walz’s decision as shameful, highlighting that it was a promise not fulfilled right before deployment.
This strategy echoes the Republicans’ campaign tactics in 2004 when they questioned Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry’s military service. Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign, previously worked with the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth group—known for its controversial ads against Kerry—and has indicated a willingness to apply similar tactics against Walz.
In contrast, the Harris campaign has spotlighted Walz’s military background and previous experience as a football coach, framing his transition to politics as a chance to advocate for veterans and active service members. A campaign spokesperson asserted that after retiring, Walz brought significant reforms and support to veteran affairs.
Walz has encountered these criticisms previously, particularly during his 2022 re-election campaign, when he faced questions regarding his military service. His campaign released a letter signed by 50 veterans endorsing his leadership and accomplishments, such as securing funding for veterans’ homes and participating in initiatives to reduce suicide among veterans.
Furthermore, conservative commentator Erick Erickson referenced a paid letter critical of Walz’s military service, published shortly before his gubernatorial election win in 2018. LaCivita echoed these criticisms in social media posts, insinuating that Walz deserted his unit to pursue a congressional run.
Walz, who enlisted in the National Guard shortly after turning 17, served in various capacities and completed active duty assignments, including a deployment to Italy post-9/11. He and Vance represent the first national ticket that includes veterans from either major party since 2008.
At campaign events, Vance has questioned Walz’s claims regarding his military experience, urging that he should not misrepresent his service record. The Trump campaign has stated that they intend to continue spotlighting Walz’s military background and scrutinizing his previous claims in the lead-up to the election. A spokesperson for the Harris campaign did not deny allegations of potential embellishments in Walz’s military accounts but noted his extensive experience and respect for all service members.