James Comer U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 1st district | Official U.S. House Headshot
James Comer U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 1st district | Official U.S. House Headshot
House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has renewed his request to FBI Director Christopher Wray for all information, documents, and communications related to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's engagements with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) connected entities and officials. The FBI has yet to provide the Oversight Committee with the requested information.
“On August 16, 2024, the Committee requested information about the CCP-affiliated entities and officials with which Mr. Timothy Walz has engaged, as well as any warnings or information the Federal Bureau of Investigation has provided to Mr. Walz or his office about CCP influence operations. 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," wrote Chairman James Comer.
Governor Walz has reportedly visited China approximately 30 times. During the 118th Congress, the Committee investigated federal agencies' responses to CCP influence tactics, including those of the FBI. In July 2024, an FBI briefing informed the Oversight Committee on CCP influence operations, suggesting that Governor Walz's history bears characteristics of such activities.
“As recently as this year, Mr. Walz met with CCP Consul General Zhao Jian to discuss ‘China-U.S. relations and sub-national cooperation.’ Recent reports indicate Mr. Walz...‘helped secure over $2 million’ and ‘pushed for a $5 million federal earmark’ for the Hormel Institute,” noted Comer in his letter.
The Hormel Institute is a Minnesota-based medical research center that collaborates with institutions like Wuhan Institute of Virology in China and Beijing Genomics Institute—both labeled by U.S. authorities as having military affiliations.
“The FBI appears to deem these concerning facts unpersuasive to require its cooperation with a congressional investigation," added Comer.
The committee remains concerned that Governor Walz's involvement with Chinese entities may have influenced his decision-making roles both as a congressman and governor, potentially extending such influence should he be elected vice president.
Comer concluded by reiterating requests for documents from their August 16 letter: “Additionally, the Committee requests all documents and information in the FBI’s possession regarding the Beijing Genomics Institute, the Hormel Institute and Dr. Zigang Dong.”
Read more:
Comer Launches Probe into Governor Walz’s Extensive Engagement with China and CCP Entities
Alerts Sign-up