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Legislators

Trump Defies Tradition, Refuses to Call Governor After State Lawmaker's Assassination

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

After a weekend shooting left a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband dead, President Donald Trump refused to call Governor Tim Walz, denouncing him as "a mess" and stating that he wouldn't bother reaching out. This departure from protocol has sparked controversy, with the governor's office urging Trump to focus on the victims and their families. In contrast, former President Joe Biden and Vice President JD Vance were among those who quickly reached out to offer support, with Biden making a traditional call to the governor.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Trump refused to call Governor Tim Walz after the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, calling him "a mess."
  • Trump's comments were seen as in direct opposition to traditional protocol, where a president would typically call a governor in the event of a tragedy.
  • Former President Joe Biden and Vice President JD Vance were among those who quickly reached out to offer support to Governor Walz.
  • Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah removed posts about the shooting from his social media account after facing backlash from Democrats.
  • Lee's posts were criticized as "disgusting" and contained inflammatory language, including a reference to Marxism and a photo of the suspect.
  • Lee later issued a more restrained statement condemning the shootings and offering condolences to the victims' families.

Statistics:

  • 1: The number of Minnesota state lawmakers assassinated over the weekend.
  • 2: The number of people shot, including a state senator and his wife, who are recovering from their injuries.
  • 1: The number of posts removed from Sen. Mike Lee's social media account after backlash from Democrats.
  • 1: The number of members of the Trump administration to reach out to Governor Walz after the shooting, Vice President JD Vance.
  • Sunday: The day the suspect was arrested.
  • Saturday: The date of the original posts on Sen. Mike Lee's social media account before they were deleted.

Sources:

  • UPI, June 17: "Trump Refuses to Call Minnesota Governor After State Lawmaker Assassination"
  • Governor Tim Walz's office: statement released Tuesday, June 17
  • Sen. Mike Lee's social media account: original posts from Saturday, June 14, and the revised statement from Tuesday, June 17.

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