Keilar suggested on air that Vance might be an “imperfect messenger” on military service issues, given his role as a public affairs specialist rather than a combatant.
This remark came as Vance has been targeting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over alleged discrepancies in his military service record.
A US Marine in Iraq, Vance took to social media to defend himself against Keilar’s comments. On X (formerly Twitter), Vance criticized Keilar and CNN, stating, “Brianna, this is disgusting, and you and your entire network should be ashamed of yourselves.” He contrasted his service with that of Walz, asserting, “When I got the call to go to Iraq, I went. Tim Walz said he carried a gun in a war. Did he? No. It was a lie.”
In a press statement, Vance further clarified his service, emphasizing, “I served in a combat zone. I never said I saw a firefight, but I’ve always told the truth about my Marine Corps service. That’s the difference.” CNN had not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
Brianna this is disgusting, and you and your entire network should be ashamed of yourselves.
When I got the call to go to Iraq, I went.
Tim Walz said he carried a gun in a war. Did he? No. It was a lie. https://t.co/kt0oxzZb83
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 8, 2024
The controversy surrounding Walz has intensified following a video shared by the Harris campaign, where Walz is seen advocating for gun control and implying he had carried weapons in combat. Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends, who was part of Walz’s battalion, criticized Walz’s statements as misleading, suggesting they implied combat experience that Walz did not have.
A CNN correspondent confirmed that there is no evidence to support Walz’s claims of carrying weapons in a combat zone. The Minnesota National Guard clarified that Walz was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom but did not deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan.
Walz, who served in the Minnesota National Guard for 24 years, has been criticized for inaccurately representing his military rank. Although he served as a command sergeant major, he retired as a Master Sergeant in 2005 due to not completing further coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. This discrepancy led to the Harris campaign updating Walz’s biography to reflect that he “served as a command sergeant major.”
Further criticism has arisen over the timing of Walz’s retirement, with allegations suggesting he retired earlier than planned to avoid deployment to Iraq. Veteran Tom Schilling, who served with Walz, claimed on Fox News that Walz “ditched” his unit before their deployment, calling his actions “dishonourable.”
The Harris campaign released a statement defending Walz’s service in response to the ongoing scrutiny. “In his 24 years of service, the Governor carried, fired, and trained others to use weapons of war innumerable times. Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any American service to this country, and he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. It’s the American way.”
