The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer (R-KY), has announced an investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) over his alleged ties to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) entities. The inquiry was prompted by reports of Walz’s extensive connections to China, including his involvement in a student exchange program funded by the CCP and the presence of a Chinese secret police station operating in the Twin Cities.

According to the committee, Walz has visited China 30 times, served as a fellow at a Chinese institution linked to the CCP, and has been associated with organizations that the State Department has identified as CCP fronts designed to influence U.S. political leaders. The committee is particularly interested in uncovering the extent of Walz’s connections and whether his actions have facilitated CCP influence in the U.S.

The investigation comes after the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force briefed the committee on CCP activities similar to those linked to Walz. Comer has now requested documents, communications, and other information from FBI Director Christopher Wray regarding the governor’s engagement with CCP-related entities.

New York Times bestselling author Peter Schweizer has also raised concerns about Walz’s ties to China, pointing out that the student exchange program he supported was funded by the CCP and allegedly encouraged American students to “downplay their Americanness” while in China. Schweizer also highlighted Walz’s association with an organization serving as a CCP front group and his failure to criticize a Chinese secret police station reportedly operating in Minnesota.

The investigation’s scope will include examining how these connections may have influenced Walz’s stance on China, particularly regarding human rights abuses. Critics argue that Walz has shown a pattern of defending or excusing CCP actions while being harshly critical of U.S. law enforcement. The secret police station in the Twin Cities, which has been linked to intimidation and harassment of Chinese dissidents, is also of significant concern, given its reported ties to an organization affiliated with Walz.

As the investigation unfolds, House Oversight Republicans are determined to get to the bottom of Walz’s connections to China and any potential national security risks they may pose.