FBI Faces Pressure to Reveal Alleged China Connection with Minnesota Governor

FBI seal on marble wall in daylight.

James Comer is intensifying pressure on the FBI to release evidence potentially linking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the Chinese Communist Party.

At a Glance

  • James Comer demands FBI documents on Governor Tim Walz’s alleged connections to CCP entities.
  • This information was initially requested on August 16, 2024.
  • Governor Walz has visited China around 30 times.
  • The Committee is probing potential CCP influence on Walz’s decision-making.

Comer Presses FBI for Evidence on Walz’s China Ties

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer is seeking information from FBI Director Christopher Wray about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s relationships with Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-affiliated entities. Comer’s demands underline concerns about foreign intervention in American politics and signal a focused effort targeting a high-ranking state official.

Walz has a history of engagement with CCP entities, highlighted by organizing a trip to China in 1993 and serving as a fellow at Macau Polytechnic University in 2007. Reports indicate Walz has made approximately 30 visits to China.

Chairman Comer initial request for this information was made on August 16, 2024, but the FBI has not yet responded. The Committee focuses on understanding how CCP tactics might influence federal and state responses.

Concerns Over Influence and Decision-Making

Governor Walz’s activities have raised questions about his decision-making process. He has met with CCP Consul General Zhao Jian in 2024 to discuss China-U.S. relations. The Committee is also examining Walz’s role in securing federal funds for the Hormel Institute, which has connections to the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the Beijing Genomics Institute.

James Comer raised additional concerns about Walz’s ties to China, noting the extensive influence these relationships might exert on his governance. The former executive director of the Hormel Institute, Dr. Zigang Dong, was involved in an FBI probe for possibly failing to report foreign backing when applying for grants. Dr. Dong is also registered as a longtime donor to Walz’s political career.

Ongoing Inquiries and Deadlines

Comer requested that the FBI submit all related communications and documents by September 19th to investigate potential Chinese influence on Walz’s decision-making. The FBI in turn, has remained silent on the issue, not providing a comprehensive response to the August 16 request.

“The FBI’s silence regarding Mr. Walz’s documented relations with CCP affiliates is inexcusable,” Comer wrote in a letter directed at Director Wray. Comer emphasized the importance of transparency in protecting national security.

The examination of Walz’s affiliations with Chinese entities will likely continue in knowing whether these relationships have compromised his role as an American political figure, and subsequently, what impact this could have if he were elected as Vice President alongside Kamala Harris.

Sources

1. Comer: FBI’s Silence Regarding Governor Walz’s Relationship with CCP-Affiliated Entities and Officials is Inexcusable

2. House Republicans chide FBI over ‘silence’ on Tim Walz’s alleged CCP ties: ‘Inexcusable’

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