National Guard: No problem with Kinzinger criticism of Wisconsin governor

By

The Associated Press

Then-Maj. Adam Kinzinger, 115th Fighter Wing RC-26 Metroliner pilot, right, stands beside Col. Jon Kalberer, 176th Fighter Squadron commander, as the Meritorious Service Medal award package is read during a ceremony at Truax Field, Madison, Wis., March 5, 2016. (Staff Sgt. Andrea F. Rhode/Air National Guard)

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin National Guard has decided an Illinois congressman who serves as a Guard member did nothing wrong when he criticized Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to withdraw troops from the U.S. southern border.

Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger blasted Evers on Twitter and on Fox News last week for ordering Wisconsin National Guard troops to leave Arizona.

Guard spokesman Joe Trovato said last week that the Guard and Evers’ office were looking into whether Kinzinger’s remarks warranted military punishment. State law prohibits commissioned officers from criticizing their leaders.

Trovato said Wednesday that the Guard’s legal team had completed the review and found that Kinzinger was speaking as a congressman, not an officer.