Tim Walz condemns Trump’s cruel slur: ‘As a parent, that term is just so damaging’
WASHINGTON, DC: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called out Donald Trump's use of a disability-related slur against him, describing it as a signal of "cruelness" by the president.
Appearing on NBC's 'Meet the Press' on Sunday, November 30, Walz spoke about the harm of such language, particularly "as an educator for a couple of decades and as a parent."
Tim Walz condemns Trump’s slur, warns of rising hate and harmful rhetoric
Minnesota Gov Tim Walz spoke about President Donald Trump's use of a slur typically directed at people with disabilities during a Thanksgiving rant, calling it a demonstration of the commander-in-chief's "cruelness."
In an interview on NBC with Kristen Welker, Walz highlighted the destructive impact of the term: "But I think we all know, both as an educator for a couple of decades and as a parent, using that term is just so damaging."
Before entering politics, Walz was a school teacher and had previously discussed his work supporting students with disabilities in his classroom.
Tim Walz says Trump uses slurs to distract from competency concerns
Walz suggested that Trump's use of slurs stemmed from a character deficit and was part of an intentional strategy. "And mainly, look, at first, I think it's just because he's not a good human being, but secondly to distract from using competency,” Walz said.
He also pushed back against the idea that Democrats are "policing language" by calling out the use of slurs.
Walz said that while people have the freedom to use such offensive language, it remains morally wrong to do so. He reiterated the core of his message: "You can use that word, sure," Walz said.
"You can use that language. But you shouldn't. And that's something that Donald Trump fails to realize. But again, Kristen, this is cruelness. This is meanness; it's aimed at a broader community."
Trump targets Tim Walz ahead of disability law anniversary
Trump's message came on Thursday ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, where he railed against immigrants and blamed Walz, calling the former vice presidential candidate "seriously r*****ed."
The issue is also personal for Walz, whose son, Gus, has a nonverbal learning disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and an anxiety disorder.
Gus Walz gained international attention in 2024 when he was overcome with emotion and expressed his pride in his father during the Democratic National Convention, saying, “That’s my dad.” It may also be noted that Walz has had a long history of conflict with Trump and positioned himself aggressively during the 2024 election, repeatedly attacking Republicans and calling them "weird."
However, his political style has received mixed reactions, particularly during his debate against Trump's running mate, JD Vance, where Walz was criticized for being too friendly and cordial toward his opponent.
