Newly surfaced audio reveals a surprising side of former President Donald Trump’s view on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s handling of the George Floyd protests. Despite Trump’s recent criticism of Walz’s response to the unrest, the audio from June 1, 2020, shows Trump offering high praise to the governor.
In a conference call with multiple governors following Floyd’s death on May 25 and the ensuing riots, Trump expressed his approval of Walz’s actions. “I know Gov. Walz is on the phone, and we spoke, and I fully agree with the way he handled it the last couple of days,” Trump said, referring to Walz as an “excellent guy.”
Trump’s comments, captured in the audio, included direct praise and a personal touch. “I was very happy with the last couple of days, Tim,” Trump continued. “You called up big numbers and the big numbers knocked them out so fast it was like bowling pins.”
This praise contrasts sharply with recent attacks from the Trump campaign, which has criticized Walz’s handling of the situation. According to Sen. J.D. Vance, Walz “allowed rioters to burn down the streets of Minneapolis.”
Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt suggested Trump’s praise was contingent upon Walz’s decision to follow his advice and deploy the National Guard.
“Governor Walz allowed Minneapolis to burn for days, despite President Trump’s offer to deploy soldiers and cries for help from the liberal Mayor of Minneapolis,” Leavitt said.
Walz, a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, mobilized troops to Minneapolis 18 hours after Mayor Jacob Frey’s initial request. The governor has since acknowledged the delay and accepted responsibility, explaining the logistical challenges faced in rapidly mobilizing forces.
“They’re band teachers and small business owners…you’ve got 12 hours to report to your armory,” Walz said. Later, he conceded, “If the issue was that the state should have moved faster, that is on me.”
Listen to the call below:
🚨🚨NEW
ABC News obtained audio of Donald Trump praising Tim Walz's handling of the George Floyd protests in Minnesota: “Very happy” “I fully agree with the way he handled it… [Walz is an] excellent guy”
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) August 7, 2024
