During a campaign rally in Detroit, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for allegedly avoiding military service and misrepresenting his veteran status. Vance, responding to questions from reporters, defended his background, emphasizing his journey from a humble, non-lawyer family to law school through hard work, which he views as embodying the American dream.
Vance accused Walz of failing to fulfill his military duty by dropping out of the army when called to serve in Iraq, leaving his unit without him. He condemned Walz's stance on gun control, questioning the governor's military experience and suggesting that Walz had used his military history to advocate for gun restrictions.
Highlighting what he perceived as inconsistencies in Walz's statements, Vance challenged the governor's credibility regarding his military service and combat experience. Vance also called on reporters to scrutinize Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris, criticizing Harris for avoiding press inquiries since President Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed her.
Former President Trump has also accused Harris of relying on a teleprompter and avoiding public scrutiny, drawing attention to what he perceives as a lack of transparency in her communication with the media.