The internet is currently buzzing over a photo circulating on social media allegedly showing members of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s family endorsing Donald Trump for president. This has led many to ask: did Tim Walz’s family endorse Trump? The short answer is complicated, involving distant cousins and a politically outspoken brother, painting a picture of a family with diverse political views.
Nebraska Walz Family Members Publicly Support Trump
The controversy began with a photo featuring eight individuals proudly displaying “Nebraska Walz’s for Trump” T-shirts. This image, taken in front of a “Trump 2024 — Take America Back” sign, quickly gained traction after being reposted by Donald Trump himself on his Truth Social platform. Trump added fuel to the fire by stating, “It is a Great Honor to have your Endorsement. I look forward to meeting you soon!”
Charles Herbster, a former Nebraska gubernatorial candidate, initially shared the photo on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying that these Trump supporters are indeed related to Governor Tim Walz. Rod Edwards, Herbster’s spokesperson, explained that the individuals are descendants of Francis Walz, the brother of Tim Walz’s grandfather. These “Nebraska Walzes,” as they’ve been dubbed, confirmed their familial connection to the Democratic governor in a statement to The Associated Press.
In their written statement, the Nebraska Walz family explained the origin of the photo: “Shortly after Governor Tim Walz was named the Democrat Party Vice Presidential nominee, our family had a get-together. We had t-shirts made to show support for President Trump and J.D. Vance and took a group picture. That photo was shared with friends, and when we were asked for permission to post the picture, we agreed.” They firmly stated, “The picture is real. The shirts are real. We are the Nebraska Walz family and we are related to Gov. Tim Walz, our grandfathers were brothers. The message on the shirts speaks for itself, “Nebraska Walzs for Trump.””
Sister Sandy Dietrich Remains a “Democrat for Tim”
While distant cousins are publicly backing Trump, Tim Walz’s sister, Sandy Dietrich, residing in Alliance, Nebraska, clarified her stance. She acknowledged the possibility of the photo featuring relatives from that side of the family, but emphasized her lack of close relationship with them. Dietrich, along with Tim Walz’s father, James Walz, who passed away in 1984, belonged to a different branch of the family.
Sandy Dietrich firmly stated her allegiance to her brother, referring to herself and her immediate family as “Democrats for Tim.” She made it clear where her vote lies, stating, “I know who I’m voting for. That’s all I can control.” This highlights a clear political division within the extended Walz family, with some branches supporting Trump while others remain loyal to the Democratic nominee.
Brother Jeff Walz Initially Expressed Strong Opposition
Adding another layer to the family dynamic, Tim Walz’s older brother, Jeff Walz of Freeport, Florida, initially made headlines with critical comments about his younger brother. Reported by the New York Post, Jeff Walz’s Facebook comments revealed strong disapproval of Tim Walz’s politics. He stated he was “100% opposed to all his ideology” and even considered endorsing Trump himself, adding, “The stories I could tell. Not the type of character you want making decisions about your future.”
However, Jeff Walz later appeared to walk back some of his strongest criticisms in comments published by NewsNation. While still expressing annoyance at learning about his brother’s VP nomination through the radio, he downplayed the political significance of his earlier remarks. Jeff Walz clarified that he didn’t intend to influence the political discourse and wished to remain uninvolved in any campaigns.
Jeff Walz explained that his “stories” comment referred to childhood anecdotes, offering a somewhat humorous example: “Nobody wanted to sit with him, because he had car sickness and would always throw up on us, that sort of thing.” He stated, “There’s really nothing else hidden behind there. People are assuming something else. There’s other stories like that, but I think that probably gives you the gist of it.” He also indicated he would refrain from further public statements on the matter. Notably, Jeff Walz mentioned that he and the governor have had minimal contact since their younger brother’s funeral in 2016.
Conclusion: A Family Divided by the Political Landscape
In conclusion, the question of whether Tim Walz’s family endorsed Trump is nuanced. While distant cousins, the “Nebraska Walz family,” have indeed publicly and enthusiastically endorsed Donald Trump, Tim Walz’s sister remains a staunch supporter of her brother. His brother Jeff initially voiced strong opposition, but later softened his stance and distanced himself from political commentary.
This situation underscores the reality of political diversity within families. While some branches of the Walz family are vocally supporting Donald Trump, it’s crucial to note that these are distant relatives. Tim Walz’s immediate family, as represented by his sister, stands firmly behind him. The differing political views within the Walz family reflect the broader political polarization seen across America, where even family ties can be tested by differing ideologies.
