Minnesota Governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz is facing backlash following his visit to Alex Soros' luxury Manhattan apartment. Alex Soros, the son of billionaire and liberal mega-donor George Soros, posted about the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), sparking swift reactions on social media.
Fox News reported that the visit has drawn criticism, with conservatives arguing that Walz’s association with Soros conflicts with his image as a rural, middle-American candidate.
Walz, who has been positioned by political analysts as a candidate capable of attracting rural voters, was photographed alongside Alex Soros, with the New York City skyline as a backdrop.
This visit marked the second time in recent weeks that Walz has been seen with Soros, raising questions about his alliances as a candidate. It's becoming clear that the Harris campaign is soliciting Soros's money to help win in November.
The social media buzz began when Alex Soros posted a photo of himself and Walz together, captioning it, “Honored to host Governor @Tim_Walz at my home in New York City!” The post quickly circulated, drawing attention from conservative commentators who questioned whether Walz’s portrayal as a “rural” moderate was consistent with such high-profile connections.
Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy chimed in on the controversy, saying, "If you squint, you can see the strings on the marionette," a remark that seemed to suggest Walz was being influenced by elite interests. Digital strategist Greg Price criticized Walz for the optics of the meeting, stating that Walz often portrays himself as "a small-town Midwestern guy" while associating with billionaires like the Soros family.
In addition to Ramaswamy and Price, other conservative voices joined the conversation. Journalist Jerry Dunleavy noted that the post did more harm than good for Walz's campaign, arguing it gave the public a glimpse of the influence Soros might have in a potential Democratic administration.
"Why would Soros post something like this?" Dunleavy asked, suggesting that the younger Soros was signaling his power within the Democratic Party.
Other critics mocked Walz for the disconnect between his campaign persona and the lifestyle implied by his visit to a billionaire’s apartment.
Daily Caller editor-in-chief Geoffrey Ingersoll sarcastically commented on Walz’s "working man’s salt of the earth aesthetic," while Washington Free Beacon reporter Chuck Ross remarked that “nothing screams Midwestern folksy like a billionaire penthouse view of Manhattan."
This is not the first time Walz has been photographed alongside Alex Soros. In August, images surfaced of Walz, Soros, and Huma Abedin together during an event in Chicago for the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
Though these interactions have not received direct responses from the Harris-Walz campaign, the repeated appearances have fueled concerns from conservatives about Walz’s true political alignment.
The timing of these events is critical, as Walz’s campaign is geared toward appealing to rural voters, especially those in Middle America. His connection to the Soros family, known for supporting far-left political causes, complicates the narrative he seeks to build as a moderate candidate who understands the challenges of rural communities.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach both the Harris-Walz campaign and the Soros Open Society Foundation for comments on the meeting, but neither entity responded. This silence has only intensified the speculation, with critics suggesting that Walz's association with the Soros family could become a growing issue for his campaign as it progresses.
George Soros, Alex’s father, remains a highly polarizing figure in American politics. His contributions to liberal causes and political campaigns have made him a frequent target of Republican criticism, who accuse him of pushing a far-left agenda that is out of touch with mainstream America.
Walz’s meetings with Alex Soros could have lasting effects on his image, especially given the focus of his vice-presidential run.
He has been framed as a candidate capable of connecting with rural and working-class voters, but these associations may raise doubts among that demographic.
For now, Walz has yet to publicly address the criticism surrounding his meeting with Soros. With the election season ramping up, the focus will likely shift to how he balances the expectations of rural voters with the realities of navigating high-profile political endorsements.
The Harris-Walz campaign has not responded to inquiries about the meeting, leaving room for further speculation. As Walz continues his vice-presidential run, his ability to balance connections with political elites and appeal to rural voters will remain a focal point for both supporters and detractors.