Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently launched a sharp attack on President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies during his State of the State address, directly challenging the administration’s deportation practices. The governor’s criticism quickly drew a counterattack from the White House, which pointed to his handling of the 2020 Minneapolis riots as a major flaw in his leadership.
Walz’s Strong Critique of Trump’s Immigration Enforcement
In his State of the State address, Governor Walz condemned President Trump’s immigration enforcement strategies, particularly targeting deportation practices. He highlighted the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant and suspected MS-13 gang member, who was deported to El Salvador.
Walz described the deportation of Garcia as an example of due process violations, saying, “In this land of the free and home of the brave, we have university students being swept up, shoved into unmarked vans, and fathers being tossed into Salvadorian gulags without a hint of due process.” His comments were part of a broader critique of the Trump administration’s policies, including actions taken against foreign students involved in anti-Israel protests.
White House Fires Back Over Minneapolis Riots
The White House responded quickly to Walz’s criticism, pointing out his controversial handling of the 2020 George Floyd riots in Minneapolis. Administration officials attacked Walz for the delayed deployment of the National Guard during the chaos that ensued after Floyd’s murder. Republican critics, including JD Vance, have frequently used the riots against Walz, stating, “Because if we remember the rioting in the summer of 2020, Tim Walz was the guy who let rioters burn down Minneapolis.”
While Walz did eventually deploy over 700 state troopers and officers to assist in the crisis, critics argue his initial response was inadequate. Fact-checkers note that although Walz faced criticism for not activating the National Guard immediately, the claim that he allowed Minneapolis to burn is an exaggeration.
Governor Tim Walz encouraged and supported the 2020 BLM riots which saw Minnesota on fire for months on end.
He ignited and presided over the destruction and chaos. pic.twitter.com/8dESCFChg9
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 6, 2024
Walz Criticizes Musk’s Proposed Cuts to Government Services
Alongside his immigration critique, Walz also took aim at Elon Musk’s proposed government cuts, arguing that the efficiency program would undermine essential public assistance programs. Musk’s plan to reduce government services has sparked debate, with Walz expressing concern over the potential risks to the working class.
TIM WALZ: "We have fathers being tossed into Salvadorean gulags."
FACT CHECK: They are terrorists and woman beaters.
Even the crowd had to hit him with some boos. Get off the stage. Your career is over. pic.twitter.com/ygXS03OIHa
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 24, 2025
Despite the Trump administration’s record of job growth, rising wages, and energy independence, Walz claims these policies, along with proposals from Musk, have hurt working-class Americans. His criticisms, however, come amid speculation that he is positioning himself for a potential national role in the 2028 election cycle. Some see his attacks on Trump and Musk as an attempt to bolster his national profile, though critics argue that his focus on coastal elites and open-border rhetoric only distracts from his record during the Minneapolis riots.
Governor Tim Walz’s rhetoric, which aims to challenge both President Trump and figures like Elon Musk, may resonate with some but also raises questions about his leadership in crisis situations. As national speculation grows, Walz’s divisive approach could either solidify his standing or further expose his vulnerabilities as he positions himself for future political battles.