Fact Check: "Trump called Minnesota's governor 'slick and whacked out' after the assassination."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, President Donald Trump made remarks regarding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz following the targeted shootings of two state lawmakers, which resulted in the death of one lawmaker and her husband. During a press conference aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that he would not call Walz because it would be a "waste time." He described Walz as "slick" and "whacked out," further commenting, "The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess" (AP News, CBS News, ABC News).
Trump's comments came in the context of a tragedy where a suspect, Vance Boelter, was charged with the murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the serious injury of another lawmaker and his wife. Trump's refusal to reach out to Walz was met with criticism, as it is customary for presidents to offer condolences during such tragedies (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Trump referred to Governor Walz as "slick and whacked out" is substantiated by multiple reliable news sources. The Associated Press, CBS News, and ABC News all reported on Trump's remarks, confirming the exact phrasing he used (AP News, CBS News, ABC News).
The sources are credible and well-established news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards of accuracy and fact-checking. The context of Trump's comments—made during a press conference in response to a significant political event—adds weight to the reliability of the quotes. Furthermore, the remarks were made in a public setting, making them verifiable through video and audio recordings.
While some may argue that Trump's comments reflect a partisan bias, the direct quotes provide clear evidence of what was said, independent of interpretation or opinion. The focus of the analysis remains on the factual accuracy of the statements rather than the political implications.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Trump called Minnesota's governor "slick and whacked out" after the assassination is accurate, as it is directly supported by multiple credible news sources that reported on his comments during a press conference.
