Republican JD Vance has criticized Democratic rival Tim Walz for allegedly misrepresenting his military service amid the vice-presidential campaign.
During a speech, Walz emphasized his service in Congress and his pride in supporting veterans, but Vance quickly countered on social media, accusing Walz of lying about his military experience, specifically claiming he went to war when he did not.
“In 2005, I felt the call of duty again, this time of being serviced to my country in the halls of Congress. My students inspired me to run for that office, and I was proud to make it to Washington,” Walz said.
Hi Tim, I thank you for your service.
But you shouldn't have lied about it. You shouldn't have said you went to war when you didn't. Nor should you have said that you didn't know your unit was going to Iraq.
Happy to discuss more in a debate.https://t.co/6vUlF9dBkJ
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 13, 2024
“I was a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee and a champion of our men and women in uniform. I am damn proud of my service to this country. And I firmly believe you should never denigrate another person’s service record. To anyone brave enough to put on that uniform for our great country, including my opponent, I just have a few simple words. I just have a few simple words. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”
“Hi Tim, I thank you for your service. But you shouldn’t have lied about it. You shouldn’t have said you went to war when you didn’t. Nor should you have said that you didn’t know your unit was going to Iraq. Happy to discuss more in a debate,” Vance wrote.
Vance, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer, highlighted the importance of honesty regarding military service and stated that Walz has never served in a combat zone.
“He has not spent a day in a combat zone,” Vance said. “Do not pretend to be something that you’re not … I’d be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did.”
