FBI Silent on Tim Walz's Alleged Links to the CCP—What Are They Hiding?

The Committee on Oversight and Accountability has sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, urging him to take seriously claims that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' vice presidential pick, has connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Dated September 12, 2024, the letter notes that the committee has yet to receive a response to inquiries about CCP's political influence operations, specifically concerning U.S. congressional members.

“On August 16, 2024, the Committee requested information regarding CCP-affiliated entities and officials that Gov. Tim Walz may have engaged with, as well as any warnings or intelligence the FBI has provided to Walz or his office about CCP influence operations,” the letter states.

“The deadline to submit these documents and information has passed, and the FBI has failed to respond. The Bureau’s silence on Mr. Walz’s documented ties with CCP affiliates is unacceptable."

(Related: Have you seen our earlier report suggesting Walz may be linked to a network of CCP-controlled "secret police stations" in the U.S.?)

Is Tim Walz a Chinese operative? The committee members have been investigating how federal agencies handle claims about CCP influence and infiltration, stating they have evidence of Walz’s alleged ties to the CCP.

“During the 118th Congress, the Committee has examined federal agencies' responses to CCP influence and infiltration tactics, including a briefing by the FBI on CCP influence operations on July 17. Based on that briefing, the Committee believes Mr. Walz’s connections to CCP affiliates show signs of such operations, and the FBI must provide any information it has on this troubling matter.”

According to the committee, Walz’s ties to the CCP date back to 1993, when he organized a student trip to the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a teacher at Alliance High School, with some expenses reportedly covered by the Chinese government. Walz later established a private company to organize yearly student trips to China, which he led while serving in Congress and working as a fellow at Macau Polytechnic University in China.

The letter points out that Macau Polytechnic University aligns itself with China's Belt and Road Initiative, a global influence strategy spearheaded by President Xi Jinping. Walz has visited China around 30 times and met with CCP Consul General Zhao Jian this year to discuss U.S.-China relations and cooperation.

The committee is frustrated by the FBI's lack of action on this issue as it seeks to investigate Walz’s potential CCP ties before Election Day.

"The Committee is concerned that Gov. Walz's involvement with Chinese entities and officials could have allowed the CCP to influence his decision-making as both a congressman and governor, and may affect his judgment if he becomes vice president," the letter warns.

As the U.S. House’s primary oversight body, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability has broad investigative authority and is continuing to pursue this issue.

Do you think U.S. politicians’ ties to the Chinese Communist Party are a cause for concern?