A photograph showing eight members of Democratic vice-presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz’s extended family in Nebraska wearing "Walz’s for Trump" T-shirts has gone viral, leading to widespread controversy and debate.

The image, which depicts the family members’ support for Trump, circulated rapidly across social media platforms, and though questions were raised about the photo's provenance and legitimacy, those depicted ultimately confirmed its authenticity, as the Washington Examiner reports. 

Photo's Origins and Rapid Spread

The photograph was originally shared by Rod Edwards, a family friend of the Walz relatives, who confirmed its legitimacy. Edwards stated that he had received the picture from a long-time friend in Omaha, Nebraska, and had been given permission by the family to share it publicly.

After receiving the go-ahead, Edwards forwarded the photo to Charles Herbster, a former Nebraska gubernatorial candidate. Herbster, in turn, posted the image on X (formerly known as Twitter), where it quickly garnered significant attention.

Once the image was posted by Herbster, it was rapidly picked up and shared by prominent conservative figures such as Ryan Fournier and Charlie Kirk.

The photo’s reach exploded after their posts, with millions of views being accumulated in a short period of time. This exposure placed the Nebraska Walz family at the center of political discussions, particularly concerning their public support of Donald Trump.

Family's Connection to Gov. Tim Walz

The Nebraska Walz family is related to Tim Walz through their grandfathers, who were brothers. While the Minnesota governor has been making headlines for his vice-presidential candidacy, his relatives' support of Trump has taken on a life of its own. The family explained that the photograph was taken shortly after Gov. Walz was announced as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.

The T-shirts were created specifically for a family gathering where they intended to show their support for Trump and J.D. Vance, the vice-presidential nominee running alongside Trump.

In a statement to the Washington Examiner, the family said, "The picture is real. The shirts are real." They confirmed that they had granted permission for the image to be shared publicly, but after the intense attention it received, the family members requested anonymity to protect their privacy.

Social Media Skepticism and Public Reaction

Despite the Nebraska Walz family’s confirmation, many social media users questioned whether the image was real, with some suggesting that it had been artificially generated using AI. These claims, however, were debunked when the family publicly stated that both the photograph and the shirts were entirely authentic. The family's statement aimed to put to rest any rumors surrounding the image.

In the wake of the photo’s viral spread, Donald Trump himself shared the image on his Truth Social account, expressing his appreciation for the family’s endorsement. Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. also weighed in on X, questioning the mainstream media’s coverage of the event.

"In the last few days, [Gov. Tim] Walz’s brother and multiple other members of his extended family have come out publicly against him and for Trump. Is anyone in the leftwing media going to cover this?" Trump Jr. wrote, pointing to the media's silence on the matter.

Gov. Walz's Brother Criticizes Ticket

Another family member, Gov. Tim Walz's brother, Jeff Walz, who resides in Florida, has also made public statements opposing his brother’s political alignment. In a Facebook post, Jeff Walz openly criticized the Harris-Walz ticket, aligning himself with Trump and denouncing his brother’s policies. "I’m 100% opposed to all his ideology," Jeff Walz wrote, adding fuel to the public discourse surrounding the family's political divide.

The family’s open criticism of Gov. Tim Walz, particularly in such a high-profile moment during his vice-presidential run, has drawn increased attention to the political rifts within the Walz family. As the photograph continued to circulate, the family maintained that their decision to support Trump was rooted in personal belief, not in a desire to stir controversy.

Media Response and Public Debates

Prominent media figures also weighed in on the issue, with Megyn Kelly, host of SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Show, raising questions about how the media was handling the story. In a tweet, Kelly drew comparisons to similar incidents in which family members of political figures publicly opposed their relatives' candidacies. "Now do we think this will get the same coverage Mary Trump or Kerry Kennedy has received?" Kelly asked, referring to the public discourse around Trump’s niece and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s family, critics of their relatives' political stances and ambitions.

The story has not only reignited discussions about political loyalties within families but also about how the media approaches such controversies. The Washington Examiner reached out to both the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns for statements, though no responses had been provided at the time of reporting.

Conclusion: Family Defends Their Stance Amid Attention

The Nebraska Walz family, despite the overwhelming attention, has remained steadfast in their support of Trump. They have clarified that their decision to share the photo was intentional and that their T-shirt display was a way to express their political beliefs. With political tensions rising as the election approaches, the family's vocal opposition to their relative, Gov. Tim Walz, underscores the complexity of family dynamics during highly charged political times.

The incident has sparked national attention, with Trump and his supporters seizing on the moment to highlight divisions within the Walz clan. As the viral photo continues to be shared, the Nebraska Walz family's declaration that "the picture is real" serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of politics and public perception.