Former President Donald Trump praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's handling of the unrest in Minneapolis in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. During a call on June 1, 2020, Trump expressed his agreement with Walz's actions and called him an 'excellent guy.' The call included other officials and governors as protests erupted across the country.
Trump commended Walz for activating the National Guard, stating that they had acted swiftly and effectively to quell the violence. Despite initial criticism from Republicans over the timing of calling in the Guard, Trump's praise for Walz has resurfaced as the GOP seeks to link him to the unrest that summer.
Trump's 2024 campaign clarified that his praise was based on Walz finally taking action after days of chaos. They emphasized that Trump had urged governors to address the riots promptly. Walz activated the Guard three days after Floyd's death, following incidents of arson and violence in Minneapolis.
While some bipartisan criticism was directed at Walz for the timing of his decision, Trump's positive remarks during the call highlighted his satisfaction with the Guard's response. Walz also sought assistance from the Trump administration during the unrest, acknowledging the need for effective communication about the Guard's role.
Following Walz's selection as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate for 2024, Republicans criticized his handling of the riots, accusing him of allowing Minneapolis to burn. Trump, in particular, claimed credit for sending in the National Guard, contrasting his actions with Harris' support for protesters.
Despite the political attacks, the transcript of the June 1 call underscores Trump's initial approval of Walz's response to the crisis. The call highlighted the importance of cooperation between state and federal authorities during times of national crisis.
