House Oversight Committee launches investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s alleged ties to Chinese Communist Party, raising concerns about foreign influence in state governance.
At a Glance
- House Oversight Committee subpoenas DHS for documents related to Gov. Walz’s alleged CCP connections
- Whistleblower reveals DHS group chat containing information about Walz and China
- Investigation aims to uncover extent of CCP influence on U.S. state governors
- Allegations against Walz remain unverified, with limited evidence presented so far
Committee Subpoenas DHS for Walz-China Intelligence
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, led by Chairman James Comer, has issued a subpoena to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This action follows whistleblower disclosures suggesting long-standing connections between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The subpoena demands intelligence reports, documents, and communications related to Governor Walz’s alleged ties to the CCP, particularly from a non-classified Microsoft Teams group chat among DHS employees titled “NST NFT Bi-Weekly Sync.”
Chairman Comer launched this investigation in August 2024, citing reports of Walz’s connections to CCP entities and officials. The committee’s broader focus is on the CCP’s infiltration and influence campaign in the United States, including efforts to sway state governors. This inquiry aims to understand the extent of Chinese influence and identify necessary legislative reforms to counter potential foreign meddling in American politics.
🚨BREAKING: Chairman Comer Is Subpoenaing DHS After Whistleblower Reveals Information on Governor Walz’s Ties to the CCP
According to recently received whistleblower disclosures, we’ve learned of a non-classified, Microsoft Teams group chat among DHS employees and additional… pic.twitter.com/VRuXBbf2dR
— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) September 30, 2024
Allegations and Evidence Under Scrutiny
While the investigation has sparked serious concerns, it’s important to note that the allegations against Governor Walz remain largely unverified. Republican Representative Nancy Mace and conservative commentators have made public statements suggesting Walz’s ties to the CCP, but concrete evidence supporting these claims is currently limited. Walz has visited China multiple times and has been critical of the Chinese government’s human rights record, complicating the narrative surrounding his alleged connections.
“Why are there so many left-wing lawmakers affiliated to the CCP?” – Nancy Mace, South Carolina Republican Representative
Chairman Comer claims that Walz has engaged with Chinese entities, potentially making him susceptible to the CCP’s “elite capture” strategy. The investigation is looking into Walz’s company “Educational Travel Adventures, Inc.,” which reportedly coordinated student trips to China until 2003. Comer also noted Walz’s meeting with Consul General Zhao Jian in March 2024 to discuss China-U.S. relations, further fueling speculation about the nature of these interactions.
Walz’s China Connections and Defense
According to reports, Walz has traveled to China approximately 30 times and organized a China trip for students in the 1990s, allegedly funded by the Chinese government. However, Walz’s representatives have accused Republicans of twisting facts and lying about these connections. Carolyn Bartholomew, former chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, has defended Walz’s actions against Chinese propaganda, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
“The Committee has recently received whistleblower disclosures informing the Committee of serious concern among Department of Homeland personnel regarding a longstanding connection between the CCP and Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz,” wrote Chairman James Comer.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what evidence, if any, will emerge to substantiate the allegations against Governor Walz. The House Oversight Committee’s probe aims to shed light on potential foreign influence in state governance and identify any weaknesses in the federal government’s efforts to defend against CCP political warfare. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for political transparency and national security measures moving forward.
Sources:
- Comer Subpoenas DHS After Whistleblower Reveals Information on Governor Walz’s Ties to the CCP
- Fact Check: Tim Walz CCP Subpoena Inspires Unverified, Misleading Attacks
- Walz says he ‘misspoke’ after unearthed newspaper reports undercut claim he was in Hong Kong during Tiananmen Square protests
