House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R., Ky.) has escalated his confrontation with the FBI, accusing the agency of stonewalling his investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Comer's inquiry, which has gained momentum since Walz was named Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate for the 2024 election, focuses on the governor's extensive trips to China and his alleged connections to Chinese entities with strong links to the CCP.
In a letter addressed to FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday, Comer reiterated his demand for documents and communications related to Walz's interactions with Chinese officials and organizations. "The deadline to produce such documents and information has passed, and the Bureau has failed to provide any response to the Committee. The FBI's silence regarding Mr. Walz's documented relations with CCP affiliates is inexcusable," Comer wrote, intensifying the pressure on the FBI to comply with his requests.
This marks the second time Comer has written to the FBI concerning Walz's China connections. His first letter in August went unanswered, prompting this latest demand. The House Oversight Committee is particularly concerned about Walz's involvement with Chinese institutions during his congressional tenure, including his fellowship at Macau Polytechnic University, an institution aligned with China's Belt and Road Initiative-a program central to China's global influence strategy.
Comer's inquiry also touches on Walz's connections to the Hormel Institute, a Minnesota-based research facility that collaborated with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Chinese lab at the center of COVID-19 origin controversies. According to Comer, U.S. intelligence officials have linked the Wuhan lab to China's military, raising concerns about the potential for CCP influence on American public health and safety decisions.
BREAKING: The FBI’s silence regarding Governor Walz’s relationship with CCP-affiliated entities and officials is inexcusable.
Chairman Comer is demanding additional information following the FBI’s failure to cooperate with the committee’s investigation. pic.twitter.com/evfbQuDBWe — Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) September 12, 2024
"The Committee must understand the full extent of Mr. Walz's ties to the CCP. In short, such ties appear myriad and substantial," Comer emphasized in his letter, citing Walz's frequent trips to China-approximately 30 times-as part of his long-standing connections to Chinese entities. These trips, dating back to the 1990s when Walz was a high school teacher organizing student tours partially sponsored by the CCP, have drawn particular scrutiny.
The FBI's alleged lack of cooperation has drawn sharp criticism from Comer, who has set a new deadline of September 19 for the bureau to comply with his requests. "The FBI told the Committee that the Bureau's Foreign Influence Task Force investigates this kind of CCP activity," Comer noted, underscoring the importance of understanding whether Walz's interactions with Chinese entities may have influenced his decision-making as a congressman and governor. The concern extends to the potential implications of Walz ascending to the vice presidency, where CCP influence could pose a significant national security risk.
Comer's investigation has also raised questions about the broader implications of Walz's connections to China, especially as the governor has expressed support for a collaborative relationship between the U.S. and China while also criticizing Beijing's human rights abuses. This nuanced stance contrasts with the more adversarial approach favored by many U.S. policymakers, who view China's rising geopolitical ambitions and economic power as significant threats that require a firm response.
The controversy surrounding Walz's China ties has been further fueled by recent revelations about his association with a pro-Palestinian Muslim leader accused of spreading antisemitic content. This has only added to the scrutiny Walz faces as he steps onto the national stage as a vice-presidential candidate.
As the September 19 deadline approaches, the FBI is under increasing pressure to provide the requested information. The outcome of this standoff could have significant implications for the 2024 election, particularly if Comer's concerns about CCP influence in the White House gain traction among voters. The Harris campaign has yet to comment on the developments, but the issue is likely to remain a focal point in the weeks ahead as the investigation unfolds.
