Trump Criticizes Walz Over Flag Protocol After Initially Declining to Offer Condolences Following Democrat’s Slaying
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump on Monday publicly criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the state’s decision to lower flags to half-staff in honor of former Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords staffer Daniel Kirk,while simultaneously revisiting his past refusal to contact Walz following the murder of state legislator Linda Hortman.
The exchange highlights a pattern of strained relations between Trump and Walz, dating back to Walz’s unsuccessful bid for the Democratic vice presidential nomination against Trump in 2020. It also underscores the political sensitivities surrounding flag protocols and expressions of sympathy following tragedy.The controversy comes as Kirk’s funeral is scheduled this weekend in Arizona, where Trump intends to deliver remarks.
In June 2023, days after Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their Minneapolis-area home, Trump was asked if he woudl reach out to Walz. He responded by dismissing the idea as a “waste of time,” labeling Walz “whacked out,” a “mess,” and claiming he “doesn’t have a clue.” Presidents traditionally offer condolences and federal assistance to governors following significant tragedies.
On Monday,Trump asserted that Walz was “blaming” him for the decision to lower flags for Kirk,a Democrat who worked for giffords,a gun control advocate. trump did not elaborate on the basis of Walz’s alleged blame. Walz, in response, stated he wished Trump would “be a President for all Americans” and released a video call for unity referencing both the recent shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church that killed two students and injured 21, and Hortman’s assassination. The video featured scenes from the Minnesota State Fair but did not mention Kirk.
“The world feels crazy right now, but we won’t lose hope. We will get through this, together,” Walz said in the video.
Trump plans to attend Kirk’s funeral and said he would “guess” he would speak, adding, “I don’t know,” but “I guess I will.”
