Lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee led by Rep. James Comer (R-KY) announced Friday that they are investigating Minnesota Democratic governor and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz over his “extensive” ties to entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party.
In a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Comer requested that the agency produce documents on any communications or documents it may have pertaining to Walz’s academic and business ties to China. Walz’s connections to China have come under increasing scrutiny since Vice President Kamala Harris selected him to run alongside her.
“It has come to the Committee’s attention that Governor Walz has longstanding connections to CCP-connected entities and officials that make him susceptible to the Party’s strategy of elite capture, which seeks to co-opt influential figures in elite political, cultural, and academic circles to influence the United States to the benefit of the communist regime and the detriment of Americans,” Comer wrote.
Comer told Wray that “the Committee seeks information about the Chinese entities and officials Governor Walz has engaged and partnered with, as well as any warnings or advice the FBI may have given to Governor Walz about U.S. political figures being targeted by or recruited for CCP influence operations.”
The letter cited reporting that estimated Walz has visited China at least 30 times, stretching back to a trip he took with Alliance High School students back in the 1980s funded by the Chinese government. Additionally, Comer noted that Walz was a fellow at China’s Macao Polytechnic University while a member of Congress. The university says it promotes “devotion to and love for the motherland.”
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“Despite bipartisan efforts to identify and defeat CCP unrestricted warfare against America, Governor Walz continues problematic engagement with concerning entities and individuals,” Comer wrote. “In March 2024, he met with Consul General Zhao Jian to discuss ‘China-U.S. relations and sub-national cooperation.’”
Comer asked that Wray provide the committee with any communication or document in the FBI’s possession regarding over a dozen entities potentially linked to Walz. The entities include China’s Ministry of Public Security, Macao Polytechnic University, the National Association for China’s Peaceful Unification, the U.S. China People’s Friendship Association, and the United States China Heartland Association.
Comer also asked Wray if the FBI had ever intervened to brief Walz on interactions with Chinese government officials or CCP-linked entities.
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The Harris-Walz campaign has pushed back on criticism from Republicans over his ties to China.
“Throughout his career, Governor Walz has stood up to the CCP, fought for human rights and democracy, and always put American jobs and manufacturing first,” spokesman James Singer said. “Vice President Harris and Governor Walz will ensure we win the competition with China, and will always stand up for our values and interests in the face of China’s threats.”
Comer’s letter to Wray comes after Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) pressed the Pentagon on Tuesday for answers on Walz’s National Guard experience and trips to China.
