President Donald Trump labeled Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) as “whacked out” and declined to reach out after recent political violence in Minnesota.Imago/ZUMA

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he has no plans to contact Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) following the recent violent events in the state, where a gunman killed a lawmaker, her husband, and injured other officials.

“I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, responding to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins about whether he had called Walz. “I’m not calling. Why would I? The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess. So, why waste time?”

A Walz spokesperson told Mother Jones that the governor “wishes President Trump would act as a unifier, but the tragedy is about the victims and Minnesota’s healing process.” White House officials did not immediately comment.

Trump’s remarks drew criticism, but they are consistent with his history of dismissive comments after tragedies, often dismissing causes or fueling conspiracy theories. During last summer’s Republican National Convention, he called for unity and said:

We must come together, rise above differences, and unite as one nation, pledging allegiance to the American flag.

In contrast, during the Minnesota shootings, Democrats quickly condemned the violence. Biden and Vance called Walz, and the Democratic campaign withdrew ads supporting Trump, emphasizing national unity, despite some claims blaming Democrats.

While Trump did condemn the violence publicly, calling it “horrific” on Truth Social, leaders like Vice President Vance and President Biden reached out to Walz as well. Meanwhile, Utah Senator Mike Lee faced backlash for posting unfounded claims linking the shooter to political leftism, then later condemning violence on his official account.

Senator Tina Smith confronted Lee about his earlier posts, emphasizing their hurtful impact. GOP members like Rep. Derrick Van Orden also made flippant remarks, criticizing Walz and referencing the shooter’s past appointments, which were bipartisan. The responses highlight ongoing political disagreements amid tragedy.