Trump Slams Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as 'Sick Puppy,' Criticizes Inclusion in Dems' 2024 Ticket

In a sharp rebuke delivered from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, labeling him a “sick puppy” and asserting that he should not have been selected for the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential ticket. The comment came during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, when Trump was asked about his relationship with tech magnate Elon Musk. Trump’s remarks quickly shifted to the current political landscape, focusing on his rivals in the recent presidential race.

Trump did not mince words about Walz’s presence on the ticket alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris. “They made a bad choice with him,” Trump insisted, underscoring his belief that Walz was an unwise pick at a pivotal moment for the Democrats. He went further, suggesting that Democrats would have been better served by choosing Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro instead. According to Trump, Shapiro’s addition to the ticket could have changed the dynamic in critical battleground states, particularly Pennsylvania.

Elon Musk, a high-profile Trump supporter throughout the campaign, was also a focus of discussion. Trump acknowledged Musk’s efforts, stating, “Elon endorsed me very strongly. He actually went up and campaigned for me. I think I would have won.” Musk’s support, Trump implied, helped energize Republican voters and was a crucial factor in rallying momentum across key states. Trump pointedly referenced his own dominance in Pennsylvania, expressing confidence that he would have won there “easily” regardless of the Democratic ticket’s composition.

The criticisms of Walz arrive against a tumultuous backdrop for the Democratic Party. After President Joe Biden exited the race in July 2024 due to concerns over his mental fitness, Kamala Harris assumed the lead, naming Walz as her running mate with just over three months remaining before Election Day. This abrupt transition left the party scrambling to redefine its message and unify its base behind the new Harris-Walz ticket.

Despite the defeat, Walz has signaled that his national ambitions remain alive. In an interview reflecting on the campaign, Walz indicated openness to a future White House bid in 2028, though he qualified his interest by recognizing the competitive nature of presidential politics. “If I think I could offer something ... I would certainly consider that,” he said, adding that he lacked the arrogance to assume he was the only qualified contender.

Walz’s post-election comments reveal the lingering fatigue and frustration among Democrats following their loss. He described the experience of losing the national election as “pure hell” and admitted that the party is “fatigued.” Nonetheless, he left the door open for a return to the national stage, stressing that any decision would be based on whether he possesses the right “skill set” and can genuinely contribute to the country.

The upcoming years will determine whether Walz’s aspirations materialize or if the Democratic Party turns to another figure to rebuild and rally ahead of the next presidential contest. Meanwhile, Trump’s pointed remarks and the ongoing jockeying for position highlight the intensity and unpredictability that continue to define the American political landscape.