Fact Check: Donald Trump Calls Tim Walz "Terrible" and "Grossly Incompetent"
What We Know
On October 15, 2023, during an interview with ABC News, former President Donald Trump made derogatory remarks about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Trump stated, "I think he's a terrible governor. I think he's a grossly incompetent person" while discussing the aftermath of recent violent events in Minnesota, including the assassination of state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, which he condemned as "horrific violence" (ABC News, Hindustan Times). Trump also mentioned that he "may" call Walz to discuss the situation, but as of the time of reporting, he had not yet done so (Star Tribune).
Analysis
The statements made by Trump regarding Governor Walz are corroborated by multiple reliable sources. ABC News, a major news outlet, reported Trump's comments verbatim, providing context about the political violence that prompted the remarks (ABC News). Additionally, the Hindustan Times and Star Tribune echoed these claims, confirming the accuracy of Trump's statements during the interview (Hindustan Times, Star Tribune).
The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that Trump's comments were made in a politically charged context, which may influence how they are perceived. Critics of Trump may argue that his language is inflammatory and politically motivated, particularly given his history of targeting Democratic leaders (Star Tribune).
Conclusion
The claim that Donald Trump referred to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as "a terrible governor" and "a grossly incompetent person" is True. This assertion is supported by multiple credible news sources that reported on Trump's comments during an interview following a tragic event in Minnesota. The context of the remarks, made in the wake of political violence, adds a layer of complexity but does not negate the accuracy of the statements themselves.
