In a tense press conference held Thursday in St. Paul, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz disclosed that he has recently been targeted by derogatory drive-by taunts following a scathing insult from President Donald Trump. Walz described the incidents as “new and shameful,” noting that they come amid increasingly heated political rhetoric surrounding Minnesota’s policies on its Somali-American community.
The controversy began last week when Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling Walz “the seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota.” The remark was part of a broader critique of the state’s approach to immigrant communities—particularly Somali-Americans—whom Trump has frequently singled out in his public statements.
Walz, a Democrat and former vice-presidential candidate, addressed the media to warn about the potential dangers of such inflammatory language.
“Words matter, and they can lead to actions,” he said. “These drive-by taunts—people yelling slurs from their cars—are not harmless; they are a step toward something more violent. It’s disappointing, though not surprising, that we’ve seen no condemnation from Republican officials.”
His comments reflect a growing concern about how increasingly aggressive political discourse can translate into real-world harassment. While the taunts have so far been verbal, Walz emphasized that they represent a troubling escalation. No formal police reports have been made public, but he indicated that his team is monitoring the situation closely.
Democratic leaders quickly voiced support for Walz. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned Trump’s language as “deeply offensive and beneath the dignity of any leader,” urging bipartisan unity in rejecting such rhetoric. His remarks echoed broader Democratic criticism of Trump’s statement, which many have described as ableist and divisive.
Republican leaders, however, have remained largely silent, with no prominent figures publicly denouncing Trump’s post or the alleged harassment directed at Walz. The lack of response has fueled accusations of partisanship as political tensions intensify ahead of future elections.
Minnesota’s Somali-American community—one of the largest in the United States—has long been at the center of debates over immigration, integration, and state policy. Trump’s critiques often portray the state’s approach as overly lenient, while supporters of Walz argue that these policies foster inclusivity and economic growth.
As of the latest update, three hours ago, the situation remains fluid. Walz’s office is urging calm and vigilance. Political analysts suggest the episode could deepen polarization within an already divided electorate, underscoring the fine line between free speech and incitement.
AWWWW. Was Timmy’s feelings hurt? TANGO SIERRA! His party’s rhetoric has lead to actual deaths so he and the democrat/communists can stuff it.