Trump Calls Out Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as 'Sick Puppy' and Questions His Inclusion on 2024 Democratic Ticket

President Donald Trump launched a fresh barrage of criticism Thursday at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, labeling him a "sick puppy" and expressing disbelief that Walz had secured a spot on the Democratic presidential ticket for 2024. The former president’s remarks, delivered during a meeting in the Oval Office with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, underscored Trump’s ongoing attacks against his political adversaries as the 2024 election cycle continues to unfold.

"He's a sick puppy, that guy, that poor guy. I feel sorry for him," Trump told reporters. "But, they made a bad choice with him." Trump’s comments came after he was questioned on his relationship with tech magnate Elon Musk. The inquiry followed visible tensions within the GOP over a massive legislative package, dubbed the "big beautiful bill," which Trump has touted as essential to his administration’s agenda and party unity.

Musk, a vocal ally of Trump during the campaign, played a pivotal role by rallying support across key battleground states, including a series of high-profile events in Pennsylvania. Trump seized on Musk’s backing, suggesting it gave him an edge in critical states. "Elon endorsed me very strongly. He actually went up and campaigned for me. I think I would have won. Susie would say I would have won Pennsylvania easily anyway, even if the governor had the real governor, not the governor, for a Minnesota," Trump remarked, again taking aim at Walz’s qualifications.

The president also weighed in on the Democrats' decision to select Walz as Kamala Harris’s running mate, arguing that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro would have been a more formidable challenger. "But if you picked Shapiro or anybody else, I spoke to him recently about his, you know, his house being set on fire, which was terrible. But if they picked him, I would have won Pennsylvania," Trump stated, referencing a recent arson attack on Shapiro’s home.

The Democratic ticket took shape rapidly in August 2024, after President Joe Biden abruptly withdrew from the race amid intensifying questions concerning his mental fitness. With only just over three months to mount a national campaign, the Harris-Walz team faced an uphill battle leading into Election Day on November 5.

Following the election, which saw their ticket defeated, Walz signaled he was open to another run for national office. "Well, I had a friend tell me, ‘Never turn down a job you haven’t been offered,’" he shared in a March interview, hinting at plans for a potential 2028 presidential bid. "If I think I could offer something ... I would certainly consider that," Walz added. "I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this."

Pressed further about his intentions, Walz maintained he would step forward "under the correct circumstances and if he had the right skill set" for the race, vowing, "I’ll do it." Despite his apparent willingness, Walz was quick to temper expectations, reiterating, "I certainly wouldn’t be arrogant enough to think that it needs to be me."

As the dust settles on the contentious 2024 election, both parties are already looking ahead, with figures like Trump and Walz dominating early speculation—underscoring how the next presidential cycle may once again feature familiar names and fierce political rhetoric.