Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential running mate JD Vance have been criticizing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for his handling of the unrest following George Floyd’s murder. However, an audio recording obtained by the Associated Press reveals that Trump praised Walz for his quick and effective response during a phone call on June 1, 2020. The call, which included other officials like Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Attorney General William Barr, has resurfaced as Walz is now Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.
The protests that erupted globally after Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, led to a reckoning with police brutality and racism. In Minneapolis, some protests turned violent, prompting Walz to deploy the Minnesota National Guard. Trump offered federal assistance, which Walz declined.
During a 2024 fundraiser, Trump claimed credit for deploying the National Guard, but in reality, it was Walz who ordered their mobilization in response to requests from local mayors. Although criticized for not acting faster, Walz received praise from Trump during the June 1 call, calling him “an excellent guy.”
While a spokesperson for the Trump campaign attempted to spin the call as an acknowledgment of Walz finally taking action, the recording shows Trump commend Walz for swiftly resolving the situation. Walz, in turn, thanked Trump for his guidance and acknowledged the city’s pain and grief.
The call sheds light on the dynamics of leadership and decision-making during times of crisis, highlighting the complexities and nuances of political narratives.
