Imam Asad Zaman, a Muslim cleric known for his controversial remarks, including praise for Adolf Hitler and Hamas, was a speaker at the inauguration of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in January 2019.
Fox News reported that Zaman’s involvement in events alongside Walz has raised concerns about their association, although Walz’s campaign emphasizes that they do not have a personal relationship and condemns Hamas terrorism.
On January 7, 2019, Imam Asad Zaman, the executive director of the Muslim American Society in Minnesota, took the stage during Governor Walz’s inauguration. Zaman delivered a speech that highlighted themes of social justice and the responsibilities of leadership, urging the new administration to address structural injustices within the state.
In April 2019, Zaman once again appeared with Walz, this time delivering an invocation at the governor’s state address. During his speech, his message was clear: the people of Minnesota had placed their trust in Governor Walz, and it was now the administration’s duty to fulfill their hopes and aspirations.
However, Zaman’s past social media activity has cast a shadow over his appearances at these significant events. In 2015, Zaman posted a pro-Hitler propaganda film titled "The Greatest Story Never Told" on his Facebook account. Additionally, he has shared content praising Hamas and has distributed links to antisemitic sites.
Zaman’s controversial social media posts include sharing press releases from Hamas and expressing support for the organization. Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, is a subject of global concern due to its violent activities and extremist ideology.
The fact that Zaman, a prominent figure in the Muslim community in Minnesota, has expressed support for such an organization has alarmed many.
Federal prosecutors have described the Muslim American Society, where Zaman serves as executive director, as an arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in the U.S. This association has further fueled concerns regarding Zaman’s influence and the nature of his public statements.
Despite these controversies, Zaman has maintained a visible presence in events involving Governor Walz. In May 2023, Zaman attended a mosque security meeting with members of Walz’s office, continuing his engagement with the state government.
The Walz campaign has been quick to clarify the nature of the relationship between Governor Walz and Imam Zaman. According to campaign statements, there is no personal relationship between the two men. The campaign has also strongly condemned Hamas terrorism, seeking to distance the governor from Zaman’s controversial views.
However, this doesn't compute with the fact that Zaman has been so prominently involved in Walz's political career. Walz's team claims there is no relationship but Zaman spoke at Walz's inauguration and continues to be involved.
While the Walz administration has made significant donations to the Muslim American Society of Minnesota—amounting to over $100,000—there has been no indication that these funds were connected to Zaman’s views or his social media activity.
The administration’s support for the organization is seen as part of a broader effort to engage with and support diverse communities across the state.
The involvement of Imam Asad Zaman in Governor Tim Walz’s 2019 inauguration and other subsequent events has drawn significant attention due to Zaman’s controversial remarks and social media activity.
His past praise for Adolf Hitler and Hamas has sparked widespread concern and Walz must answer as to why he has such a close relationship with a rabid antisemite.
The Walz campaign has sought to distance the governor from Zaman’s views, claiming that there is no personal relationship between the two and condemning terrorism in the strongest terms.
However, it appears that the Walz camp is lying to the American people once again. Walz's ties with the Muslim community in Minnesota are well known and his relationships are a quiet endorsement of rabid antisemitism.
