Congresswoman Nancy Mace confronted Tim Walz during a tense Oversight hearing, while his China comments sparked fresh controversy.

Fiery Exchange in Oversight Hearing

Representative Nancy Mace ignited a heated exchange with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Thursday, sharply criticizing him over his inability to define what constitutes a woman. The encounter escalated as Mace accused Walz of undermining women's identity and failing to respect female lawmakers.

“What is a woman?” Mace asked during her allotted questioning time, following a wide-ranging critique of Walz’s political positions and statements. Walz, appearing momentarily caught off guard, responded, “I’m not sure I understand the question here. What do you want me to say?”

Mace responded forcefully, saying, “I want you to say that a woman like me is an adult human female. That men can’t become women. You guys are the party of violence, and you’re the party erasing women. You don’t respect us. You’re a bigot. You’re a misogynist. You’re a sexist.”

Though Walz attempted to reply, the committee chair moved on. Mace later posted video of the exchange on social media, adding that Walz had been “speechless” during the exchange. Her remarks were echoed by Republican voices online, including gubernatorial challenger Kendall Qualls, who criticized Walz for failing to take accountability for prior controversial statements, including likening law enforcement to the Gestapo.

Controversial Remarks at Policy Forum

The confrontation came just one day before Walz made additional waves at a policy event hosted by the Center for American Progress. In an unscripted series of remarks, Walz speculated that China might now serve as the world’s “neutral actor” and possess the “moral authority” to mediate peace in the Middle East, following recent escalations between Israel and Iran.

“Who holds the moral authority? Because we are not seen as a neutral actor, and we maybe never were,” Walz said. He suggested that, unlike the U.S., China could potentially broker de-escalation in the region. Walz did not elaborate on why he viewed China—an authoritarian regime—as possessing moral legitimacy in such negotiations.

The Minnesota governor also mocked President Donald Trump’s upcoming military parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. “I have never so hoped for rain in my life,” Walz said, likening the event to military parades in authoritarian regimes such as North Korea.

He further criticized Trump as “incompetent at governing” and accused him of leading the nation toward authoritarianism. Walz referenced the previous day’s chaotic removal of Senator Alex Padilla during a Department of Homeland Security press conference as an example of rising political repression.

In his characteristically unfiltered style, Walz revisited past attacks on Elon Musk and Tesla, bragging that public criticism had a personal financial impact on the billionaire. “It worked,” he said of the backlash. He also described his rhetorical strategy during the 2024 campaign with Vice President Kamala Harris, stating he aimed to make Trump appear “weird” rather than just dangerous.

Walz acknowledged the controversy surrounding his public statements, admitting that he tends to offer “pretty good stuff” but also “10% problematic.” Despite recent scrutiny, he shrugged off inconsistencies in his political record, jokingly calling himself a “knucklehead.”

As backlash mounts, Walz faces intensifying criticism from both congressional Republicans and political opponents in Minnesota. His remarks on gender, China, and U.S. leadership continue to fuel debate over the tone and direction of political discourse heading into the next election cycle.