Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz is facing intense criticism from conservative circles and social media users after a video clip from a Labor Day event in Duluth went viral, with many accusing him of making a “vile” comment seemingly wishing for news of former President Donald Trump’s death. The controversy stems from remarks Walz made during a picnic on Monday, where he appeared to allude to online conspiracy theories that have recently circulated regarding Trump’s health, including unfounded claims that the former president had died. Walz, who was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2020, told the crowd, “Look I get it, you get up in the morning and you doom scroll through things, although I will say this, the last few days you woke up thinking there might be news,” prompting laughter from attendees. He added, “Just saying, just saying, there will be news sometime, just so you know, there will be news.”
Critics quickly seized on the clip, interpreting Walz’s words as a veiled hope for negative health developments or even the death of Trump, who has survived two assassination attempts—one in 2016 and another in 2020—and has been the subject of persistent health rumors due to his age and occasionally erratic public behavior. The backlash highlights the highly polarized nature of American politics, where offhand comments by public figures are often scrutinized and weaponized for partisan gain. Walz’s remarks also touch on a broader phenomenon of misinformation and conspiracy theories proliferating online, particularly surrounding high-profile political figures, which can influence public perception and fuel divisive rhetoric.
As governor of Minnesota, Walz has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, known for his focus on education and healthcare policy, but this incident has drawn national attention and condemnation from Trump supporters and conservative commentators. The episode underscores the challenges political leaders face in navigating humor and sarcasm in public speeches, especially in an era where social media amplifies short clips without full context. While Walz has not yet issued a public response to the criticism, the incident reflects ongoing tensions and the volatile discourse that characterizes contemporary U.S. politics.