Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is under fire from conservatives after a clip surfaced showing him making remarks that critics claim implied he was hoping for news of former President Donald Trump’s death. The moment came during a Labor Day picnic in Duluth, where Walz referenced recent online conspiracy theories about Trump’s health that falsely claimed he had died.
"Look I get it, you get up in the morning and you doom scroll through things, although I will say this, the last few days you woke up thinking there might be news," Walz told the crowd, prompting laughter. "Just saying, just saying, there will be news sometime, just so you know, there will be news."
The comments were quickly seized on by conservatives online. GOP House Majority Whip Tom Emmer blasted Walz, accusing him of mocking Trump’s health and calling it "a new low." Other conservative voices, including journalists and influencers, accused the governor of hoping for Trump’s death and described the remarks as "vile" and "sick." Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota’s 8th District also joined in, criticizing Walz’s rhetoric and suggesting it reflected dishonesty in his leadership.
Several high-profile accounts on X escalated the criticism. Benny Johnson claimed Walz was "very excited" about false rumors surrounding Trump’s health. Another account, Johnny MAGA, called the governor "disgusting" and tied his remarks to ongoing violence in Minnesota. Influencer John Jackson went so far as to say Walz’s words proved coexistence between political sides was impossible.
Walz has been one of Trump’s most vocal critics since last year, previously urging Democrats to "bully the s***" out of the former president. He also admitted recently that his run with Kamala Harris on the Democratic ticket may have hurt his image among Minnesota voters, acknowledging that "people get tired of it."
Meanwhile, Trump addressed the health rumors himself on Tuesday, brushing off the speculation as "fake news." He told reporters that he had been "very active" over the Labor Day weekend, including visiting people at his club near the Potomac River. He noted that his empty public schedule had fueled the false claims.
Trump contrasted the coverage with that of President Joe Biden, remarking that the media never speculated about Biden’s health despite his visible struggles. "You wouldn’t see him, and nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong with him," Trump said. "And we know he wasn’t in the greatest of shape."