Trump's Response to Minnesota Democrat's Slaying Sparks Controversy
President Donald Trump is facing criticism for his differing responses to the deaths of Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump initially claimed he was "not familiar" with Hortman's assassination and suggested the Minnesota governor never requested flags be lowered in her honor.
Trump Blames Minnesota Governor for Lack of Flag Lowering
Trump stated that he would have ordered flags lowered to half-staff following Melissa Hortman's assassination if Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had asked him to do so. However, Trump admitted he refused to call Governor Walz to express condolences, deeming it a "waste of time." This contrasts with his decision to lower flags nationwide after Charlie Kirk's killing.
Walz's spokesperson responded by saying, "Governor Walz wishes that President Trump would be a President for all Americans." Walz also released a video calling for unity and referencing both Hortman's assassination and the recent shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church.
Past Comments Resurface
Trump's recent assertions contradict his previous statements made shortly after Hortman's death. He said that calling Walz, whom he called “whacked out” and “a mess,” would "waste time." Presidents typically offer condolences and assistance to governors and mayors after tragedies.
Trump also announced his plans to attend Charlie Kirk's funeral in Arizona, indicating he would likely speak at the service.
"I'm Not Familiar": Trump's Initial Reaction
When asked directly why he didn't order flags lowered for Melissa Hortman, Trump initially responded by saying he was "not familiar" with the case. He later stated that he would have considered it if the governor had requested it. Nancy Cordes, CBS News White House correspondent, pressed Trump on whether Republicans were to blame for political violence when officials from both parties were targets.
Trump then added "People make requests for the lowering of the flag, and oftentimes you have to say no, because it would be a lot of lowering."
Political Reactions and Accusations
Following Charlie Kirk's death, Trump and other conservatives have blamed the left for political violence. This has prompted criticism, as examples of violence against Democrats, such as the arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home, the assault on Paul Pelosi, and the thwarted plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, are often overlooked.
Representative Tom Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota, acknowledged Hortman's killing at a prayer vigil for Kirk.
Trump Denies Blaming "One Side"
Trump, who survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 presidential campaign, denied blaming "one side" but accused the "radical left" of causing "tremendous violence." He stated, "The radical left really has caused a lot of problems for this country. I really think they hate our country."
Contrasting Views on Political Violence
JD Vance, the vice-president, said he hoped for national “unity” while hosting the slain activist’s podcast. But then he insisted that this was not a “both sides problem” and that Democrats were primarily to blame, despite widespread condemnation of Kirk’s killing by party officials and elected leaders.
During the lengthy episode, Vance made no reference to Hortman or other acts of political violence, such as the January 6 assault on the US Capitol.
Political Analysis of the Situation
Political analysts Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed the political firestorm ignited by Charlie Kirk's killing. Keith noted that Trump's responses to political violence have been inconsistent. Walter emphasized that information consumption is now heavily influenced by echo chambers, leading to divided perceptions of responsibility for political rhetoric and violence.
National Guard Deployment to Memphis
President Trump signed a memo announcing he is sending National Guard troops into Memphis, Tennessee, following support from the state's governor. This move expands his plan to target multiple cities in America. He has also talked about Chicago and potentially St. Louis.
Amy Walter stated that it's very clear that Donald Trump would like to make crime and safety the centerpiece of the conversation that we're having, the political conversation that we're having, certainly when you look at the midterms.
