Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s older brother, Jeff, made some sharp remarks about the Democratic VP nominee online. He later confirmed to the media that he doesn't share his brother's left-wing views but prefers staying out of the election spotlight.
"I was getting feedback from old friends who assumed I felt the same way as my brother," Jeff said in an interview with News Nation. "I used Facebook to clear things up, but it wasn’t the right platform. I don’t agree with his policies."
Reports surfaced over Labor Day weekend that Jeff was no fan of his brother’s political stance. His Facebook posts made it clear to his friends and family, but the media picked up on it. As the news spread, Jeff and the Harris campaign stayed quiet while the New York Post published an article revealing Jeff’s opposition.
After the posts gained traction on X, a Facebook user suggested he talk to his brother. Jeff posted that he’s "100% opposed to all his ideology." He also mentioned that the family wasn’t informed about his brother’s nomination for vice president.
One commenter even urged Jeff to join Trump’s campaign. Jeff responded that he had thought about it but was torn between that and keeping his family out of the public eye. He hinted at stories he could share but didn’t want to dive too deep into them.
Jeff clarified his intentions in a later interview, saying his posts were meant for friends and family, not to influence voters. "It wasn’t our goal as a family to sway public opinion," he explained. He even joked about childhood memories, saying the stories he hinted at were things like Tim getting carsick on family trips, not political scandals.
The brothers haven’t been close, with their last meeting being at their younger brother’s funeral in 2016. Jeff did mention brief interactions, like a phone call when Tim called their mother. Jeff refused to give personal information when Tim was being vetted for the VP spot.
Now, Jeff plans to remain quiet through the election, not campaigning for or against his brother. "There will be no further statements from me," he said. He also expressed frustration about how he learned of his brother's VP pick through the radio, feeling the family should’ve been given notice.
Gov. Walz’s political career began in 2006, with a successful run for Congress. He’s faced criticism recently for his handling of issues like the 2020 riots and his stance on the Second Amendment.