A photo showing multiple family members of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wearing "Walz for Trump" T-shirts has gone viral, igniting political discourse across social media. The image, initially shared by a Trump ally, highlights growing divisions within the governor’s family regarding political allegiances.
Newsweek reported that the photo has sparked controversy, as it reveals that some of Walz's relatives have chosen to openly support former President Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential campaign.
The image, which was first posted online by Charles W. Herbster, a former Nebraska gubernatorial candidate and Trump supporter, features eight of Walz’s relatives wearing custom-made T-shirts in front of a "Trump 2024—Take America Back" flag.
The viral post soon gained traction after Herbster shared it with a pointed caption referencing the governor’s family in Nebraska: "Tim Walz's family back in Nebraska wants you to know something."
Herbster’s post quickly spread, drawing attention from both sides of the political spectrum. Donald Trump himself reshared the image on his Truth Social platform, further amplifying the debate surrounding the Walz family’s public support for Trump.
According to Rod Edwards, Herbster’s spokesperson, the people in the picture are cousins of Gov. Walz, specifically related to him through his grandfather's brother, Francis Walz.
Shortly after the photo went viral, the descendants of Francis Walz confirmed their familial connection to Gov. Walz in a written statement. They explained that the image was taken during a family gathering and that they had given Herbster permission to share it online.
In their statement, the family noted, "The picture is real. The shirts are real. We are the Nebraska Walz family, and we are related to Gov. Tim Walz. Our grandfathers were brothers. The message on the shirts speaks for itself: 'Nebraska Walzs for Trump.'"
The revelation of the Walz family’s support for Trump has added a personal layer to the ongoing political discourse, particularly as Gov. Walz has been a prominent Democratic figure. While the governor has not publicly addressed the situation, the incident has drawn comparisons to other family divisions in American politics.
Jeff Walz, the governor’s older brother, has long been open about his opposition to Tim Walz’s political views.
In March 2023, Jeff Walz posted on Facebook, expressing frustration with his brother’s political stances.
He wrote that he is "100% opposed" to his brother's policies and further clarified that he did not intend to influence voters with his opinions. Jeff also noted that he had not been informed of his brother’s selection as a vice-presidential nominee and mentioned that they have not spoken in years.
Jeff Walz’s public disagreement with his brother's political views has drawn comparisons to other notable family conflicts in politics, such as Mary Trump's criticism of her uncle, Donald Trump, in her 2020 book "Too Much and Never Enough."
Despite his disagreements with Gov. Walz, Jeff has not formally endorsed Trump, though he has stated that he wanted his friends to understand that he does not share the same views as his brother.
The contrast between Gov. Walz’s political career as a Democratic leader and the open support for Trump from some of his family members has become a talking point, particularly among Trump supporters. The image has been widely circulated, with some calling it a symbol of the broader political divide in the United States.
In their written statement, the Nebraska branch of the Walz family clarified that their decision to publicly support Trump was not intended as a slight against Gov. Walz. Instead, the family emphasized their independent political beliefs and noted that they were not seeking to create controversy.
"We had T-shirts made to show support for President Trump and JD Vance, and we took a group picture," the statement read. "That photo was shared with friends, and when we were asked for permission to post the picture, we agreed."
Although the photo’s circulation has raised questions about the Walz family’s internal dynamics, there has been no official comment from Gov. Walz or his immediate family regarding the viral image.
