The House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amid whistleblower claims that documents reveal “serious concerns” about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's connections with China.
The New York Post reported that the investigation, led by Chairman James Comer, aims to scrutinize Walz's ties to the Chinese Communist Party amidst growing fears of China's influence on state and local governments.
On Monday, the House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena to the Department of Homeland Security. This action follows allegations raised by a whistleblower regarding Governor Walz's ties to China, discussed in an internal DHS employee group chat.
Chairman James Comer revealed that the group chat, named “NST NFT Bi-Weekly Sync,” included debates about Walz's “longstanding connection” with officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This group’s initials stand for “Nation State Threat — National Functional Team.”
Comer also addressed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a letter, requesting information from the group chat covering records from July 1 up to the present, as well as Intelligence Information Reports or Regional Intelligence Notes from November 2023 onwards.
The Committee has uncovered that crucial information about Governor Walz is documented in both classified and unclassified DHS files. Comer emphasized the need for all relevant documents to be turned over by October 7.
“Through whistleblower disclosures, the Committee has learned of a non-classified, Microsoft Teams group chat among DHS employees — titled ‘NST NFT Bi-Weekly Sync’ — that contains information about Governor Walz that is relevant to the Committee’s investigation,” Comer wrote to Mayorkas.
He further noted that there is additional pertinent information “memorialized in both classified and unclassified documents in the control of DHS.”
The case against Walz is rooted in his extensive interactions with China, including 30 trips that date back several decades. In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Rep. Jim Banks noted that repeated travel to an adversary nation could present a security risk if not properly reported.
Military protocol requires members to file foreign travel reports to help monitor potentially suspicious interactions. Brian J. Cavanaugh highlighted the increased risk if Walz failed to file these reports.
Walz's ties with China began in 1989 when he first visited and received remarkable hospitality. He later co-founded a China tourism company in the early 1990s, which dissolved in 1998.
In 1991, Walz expressed admiration for the Chinese Communist system during an interview. “Everyone is the same and everyone shares,” he remarked, emphasizing the equality in the Chinese government’s provisions.
Chairman Comer stressed the national security implications if Walz has unknowingly participated in the CCP's efforts to undermine the United States.
“[If] a state governor and major political party’s nominee for Vice President of the United States has been a witting or unwitting participant in the CCP’s efforts to weaken our nation, this would strongly suggest that there are alarming weaknesses in the federal government’s effort to defend the United States from the CCP’s political warfare that must be urgently addressed,” Comer stated.
The Committee initially began investigating the CCP's influence on the federal government earlier this year. This new development adds to an ongoing series of concerns regarding national security and foreign influence.
Gwen Walz, the governor’s wife, cryptically mentioned that their wedding date was chosen to ensure he never forgets it, deepening curiosity about the couple’s connections to China. Inquiries and skepticism around their choice of date add another dimension to the unfolding narrative.
The House Oversight Committee aims to bring transparency to this matter by obtaining all group chat records and related documents. Comer’s request also signals intensified scrutiny as the Committee pushes for answers before Walz potentially assumes higher office.
The Office of the Inspector General has confirmed receiving the Committee's request, but the DHS and representatives of the Harris-Walz campaign have yet to provide comments.
Comer’s October 7 deadline for document submission is approaching, placing pressure on Homeland Security to comply swiftly.
This move underscores the importance the Committee places on unraveling potential foreign influence in American politics.
Questions remain about whether all travel reports were filed by Walz during his numerous China visits. If not, it would add a layer of complexity to his already scrutinized political and professional history.
Governor Walz's interactions with China and his positive remarks about the CCP continue to cast a shadow over his political career. The Committee's findings could have significant implications for his future in politics.
As the investigation progresses, representatives from both the DHS and the Harris-Walz campaign have yet to respond to requests for comments.
