The U.S. House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following whistleblower allegations regarding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This inquiry was announced on September 30, 2024, by Oversight panel Chairman James Comer, who expressed serious concerns over Walz's longstanding ties to CCP officials.
The Committee's investigation centers around a Microsoft Teams group chat among DHS employees, which reportedly discusses information relevant to Walz's connections to China. Comer emphasized that if a sitting governor and a potential vice presidential nominee is found to be involved with the CCP, it raises alarming questions about the federal government's ability to protect the U.S. from foreign influence.
In addition to the subpoena, Rep. Jim Banks has requested information from the Pentagon regarding Walz's numerous trips to China, citing potential national security risks. The investigation into Walz's ties to China has intensified, especially in light of warnings from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence about China's election interference efforts targeting local officials.
Comer has demanded all relevant records from DHS by October 7, 2024, as the Oversight Committee seeks to understand the implications of foreign influence on U.S. governance.