Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has called for transparency regarding the Hormel Institute's collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the financial support it has received from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The WIV is suspected to be the origin of COVID-19 and is linked to China's People’s Liberation Army.

Senator Cruz addressed a letter to the Hormel Institute, stating, “For over a decade, Governor Tim Walz has acted as one of the Institute’s most ardent supporters, securing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund its operations, including over $2 million in federal funding for technology acquisitions and a $5 million earmark to expand your Institute’s reach.” He expressed concern about Governor Walz's continued support even after an FBI conclusion in February 2023 suggested that COVID-19 likely originated from WIV.

Cruz highlighted Walz's personal ties to China and questioned his motivations, noting, “Governor Walz’s personal connections to China—his honeymoon there, over 30 trips, and public comments downplaying the strategic threat posed by the CCP13—only raise further questions about his motivations for promoting your institution.”

The senator emphasized national security concerns due to the Hormel Institute's partnership with WIV: “Your institute’s ongoing partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and by extension the People’s Liberation Army, reflects a troubling disregard for national security concerns…The American people deserve assurance that their resources and institutions are not inadvertently supporting the goals of our chief geopolitical adversary.”

Cruz requested detailed information on funding received by the Hormel Institute for collaborations with WIV and actions taken to prevent any risk to U.S. national security. He also sought clarification on why these collaborations continue despite known affiliations between WIV and China's military.

Furthermore, Cruz pointed out that Dr. Zigang Dong resigned as Executive Director following an FBI investigation into undisclosed foreign backing when applying for grants. Despite this event, he noted that Governor Walz continues promoting public resources towards the institute.

Cruz demanded answers on how American interests are protected during these collaborations: "How can the American public trust that the Hormel Institute’s partnerships with the WIV are not inadvertently advancing China’s geopolitical goals?"

The senator expects a response from Clarke by October 31, 2024.