Republican Under Fire for Doubting Tim Walz’s Military Rank

Republican Representative Ronny Jackson, a former rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, has faced backlash after questioning the military status of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. This controversy arises as Walz prepares to accept his party’s nomination for vice president at the Democratic National Convention.

Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard and reached the rank of command sergeant major before retiring in 2005. However, his title was later revoked due to incomplete required coursework. Since being announced as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, Walz’s military service has come under fire, with some Republicans accusing him of “stolen valor” for inaccurately claiming military honors.

Jackson, a vocal supporter of former President Trump, joined 50 veteran Republicans in a letter criticizing Walz’s military record, alleging he fabricated details about his service for political gain. “Tim Walz is a FRAUD. He’s repeatedly LIED about going to war and used that LIE for political gain,” Jackson stated, sharing the letter on social media.

However, Jackson’s credibility is being questioned. VoteVets, a progressive veterans’ group, highlighted that he signed the letter while falsely presenting himself as a “Rear Admiral – U.S. Navy (Retired).” Although he did retire with that rank, he was demoted to captain in 2022 after an investigation revealed inappropriate conduct.

VoteVets challenged Jackson’s claims on social media, pointing out that he should refrain from accusing others of “stolen valor.” They further criticized the letter, noting that 29 signatories were inaccurately labeled as retired military without meeting the necessary 20 years of active service.

This theme of hypocrisy extended to other Republican signatories. They highlighted recent scrutiny of Representative Troy Nehls for wearing an Army Combat Infantryman Badge, which was wrongly awarded to him and subsequently revoked. VoteVets called this out as a prime example of hypocrisy in accusing others of false military claims.