Tim Walz's daughter Hope says he was targeted because ‘he’s everything Trump will never be’

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s daughter, Hope Walz, said her father became a political target because “he’s everything Trump will never be,” arguing that sustained attacks from MAGA supporters ultimately played a key role in his decision not to seek reelection.

Speaking just hours after Walz announced he would step aside, Hope said the targeting intensified because of her father’s national profile and lingering resentment from President Donald Trump.

Hope Walz says attacks became personal and dangerous

Appearing on John O’Sullivan’s 'One Hour Detours' podcast, Hope Walz said the pressure on her family escalated rapidly and crossed into explicit threats.

The first daughter of Minnesota said her father absorbed much of the backlash because “he has that national profile and Trump just hates him for some reason.”

“I think it’s because he’s everything Trump will never be,” she added.

Hope said the hostility went beyond politics and directly endangered her family.

“Things started getting really intense,” she said, referring to herself and her brother, Gus Walz.

She revealed she received a chilling threat by email.

“It said I deserved to die,” she revealed, adding that the sender warned “they were coming for me.”

Hope said the attacks also targeted her brother, who has a nonverbal learning disorder.

Last month, she said her family had been subjected to “offensive language” from Trump supporters.

Describing the toll on her father, Hope said, “I think that’s when he was really like, ‘OK, like, I need to evaluate what’s best for the state and then I need to evaluate what’s best for my family.’”

“And then,” she added, “I think it was just kind of a natural conclusion,” referring to his decision not to seek reelection. 

Hope Walz on daycare fraud scrutiny 

The controversy intensified after YouTuber Nick Shirley published a video documenting visits to Minnesota daycares led by the Somali community.

Shirley alleged that one center in Hennepin County appeared closed despite receiving state childcare subsidies. 

Hope acknowledged the investigations but said they were weaponized politically.

“I think there’s enough truth to the fraud claims that they were able to twist and amplify it,” she said. “They were just able to frame it in a way that benefited them.”

Walz announced on Monday that he would not seek another term, ending speculation about his political future amid rising personal and political pressure.