CNN political commentator Van Jones said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz should come clean about his military record and acknowledge any inaccuracies or embellishments.
CNN senior political commentator Van Jones believes that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz needs to address allegations of "stolen valor" and clarify his military record. Jones emphasized that Walz, who has faced criticism from veterans, must take responsibility and correct any misstatements he may have made.
"He has to clean that up. He does," Jones stated. "And I think it's actually on brand for him to say, you know what, I got a little bit full of myself and said some stuff wasn't true. And if my student did that, I'd want my student to correct, and I'm going to correct it."
Van Jones: Gov. Walz Needs to Address Military Record Controversy
Jones stressed the importance of honesty in politics, acknowledging that embellishing stories is common but becomes unacceptable when caught on a large platform. He urged Walz to own up to any discrepancies to move forward from the issue.
"We're in a business where people think, if you're just honest, we all sometimes polish up a story now and there," Jones said. "But now you're on a main stage and got caught on it. Just cough up the furball so we can move on from this issue."
Van Jones: Gov. Walz Needs to Address Military Record Controversy
According to Jones, questions about Walz's service will continue to follow him due to his rapid rise in the Democratic Party since being chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
"This guy's political skills are extraordinary," said Jones, who previously advised former President Barack Obama. "His ability to connect is extraordinary. He is a cut above the best people in our party, and he just got here. That's why they're trying to muddy this guy up because this dude can go anywhere in the country and talk to anybody. So they're trying to muddy him up."
Van Jones: Gov. Walz Needs to Address Military Record Controversy
Jones reiterated his call for Walz to be transparent and acknowledge any inaccuracies in his military record.
Walz served 24 years in the Army National Guard before retiring in 2005 and initiating a successful congressional campaign. He subsequently served in the U.S. House representing Minnesota from 2007 to 2019.
Since Walz was named Harris' running mate, multiple veterans have criticized him for allegedly misrepresenting his service, including identifying himself as a "command sergeant major" in retirement.
Walz attained the rank of command sergeant major after a deployment to Italy in 2004, but he did not complete the necessary coursework with the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy to retain the rank upon retirement. He retired as a master sergeant, one pay grade below command sergeant major.
Additionally, Walz's campaign clarified that he had misstated his involvement in war zones, as he had not served in a combat zone.
Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance and others have criticized Walz for leaving his unit months before its deployment to Iraq.
Walz delivered his acceptance speech for the vice-presidential nomination during the third night of the Democratic National Convention, alongside former President Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey. Harris is set to formally accept the Democratic presidential nomination on the final night of the convention.
Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office and campaign for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
