Trump Skips Condolence Call to Minnesota Governor Walz/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump said he will not contact Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after two state lawmakers were targeted in a deadly shooting. Calling Walz “a mess” and “whacked out,” Trump dismissed a condolence call as a “waste of time.” Traditionally, presidents offer such calls in moments of public tragedy.
Trump Skips Walz Call Quick Looks
- Presidential snub: Trump refuses to call Gov. Walz after deadly shooting.
- Two killed: A Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were targeted and shot.
- ‘Waste of time’: Trump criticized Walz as “slick” and “clueless.”
- Tradition broken: Presidents usually reach out in wake of public tragedies.
- Political history: Walz ran as Harris’s 2024 VP pick against Trump.
Trump Skips Condolence Call to Minnesota Governor Walz
Deep Look
Trump Dismisses Condolence Call
On his flight back to Washington early Tuesday, President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he would not be calling Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, despite the targeted killings of two state lawmakers.
“I’m not calling him,” Trump said. “Why waste time?”
The incident involved the murder of a female state legislator and her husband, drawing widespread shock and mourning across Minnesota. In typical circumstances, U.S. presidents reach out to state leaders to offer condolences and federal support.
Harsh Words for Governor Walz
Trump, however, offered a blistering critique of the Democratic governor. “He’s slick, he’s whacked out. The guy doesn’t have a clue,” the president said. “He’s a mess.”
He suggested he could “be nice and call him,” but reiterated his belief that doing so would be pointless.
The president’s comments reflect ongoing political animosity with Walz, who served as Kamala Harris’s running mate during the 2024 presidential election. Trump defeated Harris in that contest, and tensions between their camps have persisted since.
Tradition Broken Amid National Tragedy
While Trump’s refusal to call a political rival isn’t without precedent in modern partisan politics, his stance deviates from standard presidential etiquette.
In moments of public tragedy—especially violent attacks on elected officials—it is customary for presidents to offer condolences and coordinate support with governors, regardless of party affiliation.
The White House has not yet commented on whether Trump might issue a formal statement or take federal action regarding the Minnesota shootings.
Political Fallout
Walz had previously called Trump and fellow Republicans “just weird” during the 2024 campaign trail, reflecting the acrimonious nature of their political rivalry.
Trump’s remarks about Walz may inflame tensions further, especially amid criticism that he is failing to act presidential in the wake of a tragic loss of life involving elected officials.
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