Walz Has 'No Personal Relationship' With Controversial Muslim Cleric, Campaign Says

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate, has distanced himself from a controversial Muslim cleric after media reports revealed the religious leader's past antisemitic rhetoric and support for Hamas.

Conservative media outlets have highlighted Walz's past interactions with Asad Zaman, leader of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota. Zaman has faced criticism for promoting antisemitic content, including a pro-Hitler propaganda film called "The Greatest Story Never Told," and expressing support for Hamas and its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed some 1,200 people.

In response to a report from The Washington Examiner, Walz's team has denied any "personal relationship" between the governor and Zaman.

"The Governor and Mr. Zaman do not have a personal relationship. Governor Walz strongly condemns Hamas terrorism," said Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign, in an email to Newsweek.

That statement came following reports that Walz, as governor of Minnesota, repeatedly hosted Zaman at events. Walz's administration donated over $100,000 to Zaman's group, the Examiner reported, drawing sharp criticism from groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC).

"It is an outrage to the American Jewish community that Tim Walz would champion Hitler-promoting cleric Asad Zaman of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota," the RJC said in a statement on Tuesday.

The RJC also accused the Harris-Walz campaign of downplaying the relationship between Walz and Zaman. Some Republicans joined in the criticism.

"Why did Tim Walz lie about his obviously friendly relationship with a Minnesota Muslim cleric who promoted Hamas and Hitler?" wrote Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, Republican of New York.

This is not the first time Walz has been targeted for his stance on Israel and its ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. After Harris selected him as her vice-presidential pick, Republicans were quick to suggest she chose Walz over Josh Shapiro, the popular Pennsylvania governor, due to Shapiro's Jewish faith and support of Israel.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump claimed again last week that he is the better candidate for Jewish voters, saying that any Jew who votes for the Democratic ticket needs to get "their head examined."

Walz has been consistent in expressing his support for Israel. Shortly after Oct. 7, he condemned Hamas while condemning those who demonized all Palestinians for the actions of the militant group. He has also advocated for increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In addition to Republicans aguing they are not sufficiently pro-Israel, both Walz and Harris are facing pressure from pro-Palestinian protesters who are upset that the current administration — of which Harris is still a part — isn't doing more to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.

Harris was confronted by protesters twice in the last week during rallies in Michigan and Arizona over the administration's handling of the war. While several leaders of the activist Uncommitted National Movement expressed hope about the new ticket after briefly engaging with Harris in Detroit, other groups, like the Abandon Biden Campaign, see little daylight between her and President Biden when it comes to the war.

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