Former President Donald Trump is under fire for refusing to reach out to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz following a deadly shooting that left State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead in what authorities are calling a politically motivated attack.
When asked during a press conference whether he had contacted the governor after the tragedy, Trump dismissed the idea outright.
“Why would I call him? I could call and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’ The guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump said. “He’s a mess. So I could be nice and call, but why waste time?”
Trump’s comments come amid national mourning and widespread condemnation of the attack. The shooter, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is accused of impersonating a police officer before carrying out a targeted shooting that killed Hortman and her husband. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also wounded and remain in recovery.
A Divided Response
The political fallout was swift. Trump’s refusal to offer condolences or support starkly contrasted with the actions of others in both parties.
Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly reached out to Gov. Walz, and according to a source close to the governor, the call was appreciated. Walz praised the “effective collaboration” between federal and state agencies during the manhunt.
President Joe Biden also contacted Walz directly, emphasizing unity and offering support. The differences in response have drawn renewed attention to Trump’s often combative tone and his history of personal feuds with Democratic officials.
Details of the Attack
The violent incident occurred Saturday evening at the home of Rep. Melissa Hortman. Authorities say Boelter, dressed as a police officer, entered the home and opened fire. Investigators later uncovered a written “manifesto” in his car that included the names of other Minnesota lawmakers — many known for supporting abortion rights and progressive policies.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley called the document “chilling,” saying it suggested plans for further violence. In response, security has been heightened at the Minnesota State Capitol and at the private homes of several public officials.
Governor Walz addressed the public soon after the attack:
“These killings appear to be a politically motivated assassination. We must take this seriously — and we will.”
A History of Tension
Trump and Walz have long had a contentious relationship. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, Trump accused the Minnesota governor of losing control of the state, tweeting, “Letting rioters and looters destroy your city is not leadership.”
However, behind the scenes, some reports — including from NBC News — revealed that Trump privately praised Walz for how he deployed the National Guard during that crisis.
Their public rivalry flared again in 2024 when Walz was briefly floated as a potential running mate for Joe Biden — directly opposing Trump in the general election.
The Bigger Picture
Trump’s decision not to call Gov. Walz following the tragedy has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, with many saying it’s another sign of deepening political polarization in the face of national crisis.
At a time when bipartisan compassion might help heal, Trump instead chose to escalate personal grievances — a move that’s sparking new debates about leadership in moments of national grief.
