Trump’s 2020 Praise for Governor Walz Contrasts with Recent Criticism

In June 2020, former President Donald Trump praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his response to the George Floyd protests, commending his swift action to restore order. In a phone call with governors and officials on June 1, 2020, Trump described Walz’s handling of the situation as “incredible” and expressed full support for his efforts, saying, “What they did in Minneapolis was incredible. They went in and dominated, and it happened immediately.”

This praise was given amidst widespread protests following the murder of George Floyd by former police officer Derek Chauvin. The unrest led to significant violence and destruction in Minneapolis, including the burning of a police station. Governor Walz mobilized the Minnesota National Guard three days later to address the chaos.

However, Trump’s stance has shifted in recent months. As Walz has been chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate, Trump has criticized him for alleged delays in mobilizing the National Guard and claimed credit for deploying troops during the riots. Trump has asserted that his administration’s actions were crucial in restoring order, despite Walz’s own mobilization order and the federal help offer from Trump’s administration.

Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt has reinterpreted Trump’s 2020 comments, stating that Walz was initially slow to act and only deployed the National Guard after considerable delay.

During the June 1, 2020, call, Walz thanked Trump and other officials for their strategic guidance, acknowledging the support as “very helpful” while the city was in distress.