Fact Check: "President Trump called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz a 'terrible governor' and 'grossly incompetent' during an interview with ABC News on October 7, 2023."
What We Know
On October 7, 2023, during an interview with ABC News, former President Donald Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, calling him a "terrible governor" and "grossly incompetent" in response to recent violent incidents in Minnesota, including the assassination of a state lawmaker. Trump stated, "Well, it's a terrible thing. I think he's a terrible governor. I think he's a grossly incompetent person. But I may, I may call him, I may call other people too" (ABC News, Star Tribune).
This statement came in the context of a violent political climate in Minnesota, following the assassination of House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband. Trump condemned the violence but simultaneously used the opportunity to attack Walz's governance (Mediaite, Yahoo News).
Analysis
The claim that Trump called Walz "terrible" and "grossly incompetent" is supported by multiple reputable sources, including ABC News and the Star Tribune, which directly reported on Trump's statements during the interview. The context of the remarks is significant, as they were made in response to a tragic event, which adds a layer of complexity to the criticism.
While Trump's comments reflect a clear disdain for Walz's handling of recent events, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. ABC News is a well-established news organization known for its journalistic standards, and the Star Tribune is a respected regional newspaper. Both sources provide direct quotes and context, which enhances their credibility.
However, it is worth noting that Trump's comments are part of a broader narrative where he has frequently criticized Democratic governors, particularly those who have been in the spotlight for their responses to crises. This pattern suggests a potential bias in his remarks, as they may be politically motivated rather than purely based on governance issues.
Conclusion
The claim that President Trump called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz a "terrible governor" and "grossly incompetent" during an interview with ABC News on October 7, 2023, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that these statements were made in the context of discussing recent violent incidents in Minnesota.
Sources
- Audio shows Trump praised Walz in 2020 for response to unrest over ...
- Trump says he 'may' call Walz after Minnesota shootings ... - ABC News
- Trump attacks Walz as 'grossly incompetent,' says he 'may' call him ...
- Trump Rips Tim Walz After Assassination of Melissa Hortman - Mediaite
- Trump says he 'may' call 'grossly incompetent' Walz after ... - MSN
- Trump says he 'may' call Walz after Minnesota shootings ...
- Trump has not called Walz following shooting of Minnesota ...
- Trump has not called Walz after Minnesota shootings ...
