Trump Refuses to Call Gov. Tim Walz Following Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings
Just days after State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were tragically killed in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination, Donald Trump stirred controversy by refusing to contact Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. This sharp break from tradition adds fuel to the growing fire of political division.
During a press conference, Trump was asked whether he had spoken with Walz after the attack that left two lawmakers dead and two others injured. His response?
“Why would I call him? I could call and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’ The guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump said bluntly. “He’s a mess. So I could be nice and call, but why waste time?”
It’s the kind of remark only Trump would make—raw, cutting, and without regard for political norms. Especially considering Walz isn’t just any Democrat—he was once Trump’s opposing VP pick on the 2024 ballot. Still, in moments like these, most expect the president to rise above partisanship and offer compassion.
While Trump stayed silent, Vice President JD Vance did reportedly reach out to Walz, becoming the lone administration official to do so. A source close to Walz said he appreciated the call and praised the “effective collaboration” between federal and state law enforcement during the manhunt.
Former President Joe Biden also personally reached out to Walz, further deepening the contrast in how this moment was handled.
Details of the Shooting: What Happened in Minnesota?
State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their own home on Saturday by a man impersonating a police officer. That same night, State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and are currently recovering from severe injuries. The shooter—57-year-old Vance Boelter—was captured late Sunday after an intense manhunt.
Police later found what’s been described as a “manifesto” in Boelter’s vehicle. That list reportedly included the names of other lawmakers and officials across the state—many of them known for championing abortion rights and progressive legislation.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley stated, “We believe there was intent for more violence. The list we found was chilling.” The discovery has already prompted a wave of increased security measures at the Capitol and at officials’ private residences.
Governor Walz didn’t mince words either: “These killings appear to be a politically motivated assassination,” he said during a somber press conference.
Trump and Walz’s History of Clashing
Trump’s refusal to call Walz isn’t entirely shocking if you’ve been following their long-standing beef.
Back in 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Trump accused Walz of letting Minneapolis burn. He tweeted, “Letting rioters and looters destroy your city is not leadership.” But according to reporting by NBC News, Trump had privately praised Walz for his handling of the National Guard.
