Tim Walz called ‘military impersonator’ on ‘The Megyn Kelly Show’ by veterans who served with him

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Multiple National Guard members who served with Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov Tim Walz accused him of being a "military impersonator" and a coward in an interview with conservative commentator Megyn Kelly on her podcast 'The Megyn Kelly Show', to be aired on Monday, September 2.

The claims follow the MAGA rhetoric slamming Walz's military record. GOP VP candidate and Ohio Sen JD Vance accused Walz of basking in "stolen valor garbage" on his campaign trail. According to his memoir, 'Hillbilly Elegy', Vance served a single four-year enlistment in the public affairs section of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

On the other hand, Walz's military record includes serving with the Army National Guard for 24 years. He rose to the rank of command sergeant major but was demoted to the rank of master sergeant after retirement on a technicality.

Republicans attack Walz for quitting ahead of his team's deployment to Iraq. However, his unit was not given deployment orders until July 2005, while Walz had submitted his retirement papers five to seven months earlier, ultimately retiring in May 2005.

What did Tim Walz's former teammates say on 'The Megyn Kelly Show'?

In a trailer for Monday's episode, former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly is seen asking four veterans why they wished to come forward against Gov Tim Walz.

"It is morally indefensible," replied one of them. "He didn't care. It was all about him."

"He is a military impersonator," slammed another, as a third chimed in, "I don't understand how he could do it morally or he's got absolutely no integrity."

"The rumor went across the state that he had quit and it was like, who the hell does that? I mean, it was just unbelievable that a CSM (command sergeant major) abandoned his troops with 500 soldiers, basically. But beyond that, there's a thousand parents out there that expect that person to lead those people into combat," shared a veteran.

"He’s a habitual liar. He lies about everything. He lies about stuff that doesn't make sense. You're taking a piece of their thunder, and you're trying to capture it in a bottle for yourself and use that for your own benefit," expressed one, later adding, "Fear is a reaction. Bravery is a decision. Walz has made the wrong decision. He's not brave. I call him a coward 'cause he is.”

Internet reacts to veterans' interview on 'The Megyn Kelly Show'

Netizens reacting to the trailer on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) were critical of Tim Walz in their take, though some spoke out in his defense.

"Truly one of the worst things that can happen to soldiers and sailors. Having their team criticize their performance," wrote a user.

"Imagine how bad Walz must really be for these people to come forward," stated another.

"Tim Walz is being thoroughly exposed as a complete fraud. He was a horrible choice by Kamala Harris. Walz should be jailed for his stolen valor," slammed a third.

"If you are willing to lie about valor, you will lie about anything," jibed a fourth.

"Walz served his country in uniform for 24 years. A loser, bitter, pathetic woman like you and four veterans cannot tarnish Walz’s service. Who are you exactly? A fake-face woman with hair extensions," a fifth slammed Kelly over the interview.

"Indefensible? He retired. He’s in for 24 years and Maga cult is bitching about it. Give us a break with that crap. This is a BS move big time. Especially if it’s Maga cult doing the complaining .. same kind of people that attacked the Capitol and said they were just visiting," observed yet another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.