The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is under fire after it was revealed that several of its employees improperly accessed the medical records of 2024 vice-presidential candidates Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN). The breach, which took place over the summer, involved at least a dozen VA staff members, including a contractor and a physician.
VA Inspector General Michael Missal’s office has shared evidence with federal prosecutors, and investigators are looking into whether the records were shared and what motivated the employees to access them. The violation of federal privacy laws has sparked concern, particularly as the candidates’ military service records have been a focal point of the campaign.
Some of the VA employees claimed they were merely curious, given the public scrutiny of Vance and Walz’s military backgrounds. Vance has been critical of Walz, accusing him of lying about his National Guard service and pointing out that Walz did not serve in combat, despite his claims.
The improper access to the candidates’ medical records has raised serious questions about the security of personal health information within the VA system. Both campaigns were notified of the breach, and the investigation continues.
Vance and Walz are expected to debate soon, and the privacy breach has added another layer of tension to an already heated presidential race. Investigators are working to determine if any further action will be taken against those responsible for the unauthorized access.
