COMMENT DRAWS SHARP REACTIONS ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM AND REIGNITES DEBATE OVER PRESIDENTIAL RHETORIC
President Donald Trump called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz “seriously retarded,” a remark that immediately sparked backlash from disability-rights advocates and lawmakers in both parties.
President Donald Trump ignited controversy on Thursday after publicly referring to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as “seriously retarded,” using a slur widely condemned by disability-rights groups and medical organizations. The remark, made during an online statement, prompted swift reactions across the political landscape.
The comment comes amid ongoing political tensions between Trump and Democratic governors over immigration, federal authority and recent National Guard deployment decisions. Trump did not provide context for the insult but repeated broader criticisms he has directed at Walz in recent months.
Advocacy organizations, including disability-rights coalitions, denounced the language as outdated and harmful. Several lawmakers from both parties also condemned the remark, saying political disagreements should not involve personal attacks or ableist language.
The White House has not issued an additional statement clarifying or retracting the remark. Governor Walz has not yet responded publicly, though members of his administration said the governor remains focused on state issues rather than “online name-calling.”
Political analysts note that Trump has a long history of using provocative or inflammatory language toward political opponents, a strategy that frequently energizes his base while generating widespread criticism. They expect the controversy to intensify as national debates continue heading into the next election cycle.
The incident adds to broader discussions about the tone of American political discourse, particularly concerning elected officials’ language and its impact on public attitudes toward marginalized communities.
