Fact Check: Does Tim Walz's Family Support Donald Trump?

A photo of Gov. Tim Walz's distant cousins wearing "Nebraska Walz's for Trump" shirts went viral. Jeff Walz, Tim Walz's older brother, also criticized Tim Walz on Facebook.

The Photo: The "Walz's for Trump" photo features descendants of Francis Walz, the brother of Tim Walz's grandfather. Tim Walz's sister, Sandy Dietrich, said, "We weren't close with them. We didn't know them."

Jeff Walz's Comments: Jeff Walz posted about Tim Walz: "[He's] not the type of character you want making decisions about your future," and "I’m 100% opposed to all his ideology." He also said he "thought long and hard" about publicly endorsing President Donald Trump. Jeff Walz later said, “It wasn’t my intent...to influence the general public.”  He added, “I used Facebook [to clarify my views to friends], which wasn’t the right platform to do that. But I will say, I don’t agree with his policies.” President Trump posted on Truth Social, "Thank you very much, Jeff. It is a Great Honor to have your Endorsement. I look forward to meeting you soon!" Jeff Walz has not spoken to Tim Walz in eight years.

How the Media Covered It: Outlets on the left were more likely to include that those in the "Walz's for Trump" photo were distant cousins in the topline, while outlets on the right often led with "Walz's family" in the headline. Outlets on the right also quoted Jeff Walz's Facebook comments in their headlines, while outlets on the left were more likely to lead with his clarifications.