President Donald Trump has again defended the insulting slur he used to describe Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a remark that sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. The controversy began on Thanksgiving night when Trump posted a long message on his social media platform, Truth Social, attacking Minnesota’s Somali community and referring to Walz with an offensive slur often used against people with intellectual disabilities.
During a November 30 interview aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked about his language. Instead of backing down, he doubled down, insisting that Walz deserved the insult. Trump accused the governor of prioritizing Somali immigrants over other Minnesotans and went even further by insulting Somalia itself. He claimed that the East African nation “doesn’t function like a country” and argued that supporting Somalia financially made no sense. He added that anyone who would “allow those people” into the state must “have something wrong with them.”
His remarks quickly drew widespread attention, not only for the insult itself but for the broader message it sent toward Somali Americans—many of whom live in Minnesota and have long complained of being unfairly targeted by political rhetoric. Critics said Trump’s comments risk fueling discrimination and division.
But the strongest pushback came from within Trump’s own party. Two days before Trump’s interview, Indiana Republican Senator Mike Bohacek publicly criticized Trump on Facebook for using the slur. Bohacek explained that his daughter has Down syndrome and that hearing the president use demeaning language toward people with intellectual disabilities was deeply personal for him. He said this was not the first time Trump had used such language and stressed that words from national leaders carry weight and consequences. His post reminded people that political differences should not justify cruelty or disrespect toward vulnerable groups.
Governor Walz also responded swiftly. After Trump’s Truth Social post, Walz wrote on X (formerly Twitter), telling Trump to “Release the MRI results”—a jab at Trump’s earlier promise to release results from a medical scan he claimed were “perfect.” Walz’s message highlighted his frustration but also signaled a willingness to push back against Trump’s escalating personal attacks.
This exchange came during a broader string of recent insults from Trump. In just a few days, he publicly mocked a Bloomberg reporter by calling her “piggy” and attacked a New York Times correspondent by calling her “ugly, both inside and out.” While Trump is known for using confrontational language, the remark about Walz stood out because it touched directly on disability—a sensitive topic for many families. Walz’s own son lives with a nonverbal learning disorder, an anxiety disorder, and ADHD. Because the slur Trump used is often directed at people with disabilities, many felt that his comment crossed an especially personal line.
Political analysts say the episode reflects how Trump has become increasingly aggressive in his public statements, targeting politicians, journalists, and entire communities with little restraint. Supporters see it as Trump refusing to “be politically correct,” while critics argue that the hostility is damaging political norms and degrading public discourse. Bohacek’s response, however, showed that even members of Trump’s party are growing uncomfortable with his language—especially when it targets groups that Republicans also serve and represent.
As this latest controversy unfolds, it highlights a growing concern about the tone of American politics and how language used by leaders shapes the nation’s divisions. For now, Trump shows no sign of softening his approach, leaving many to wonder how far he will go and how others—both in his party and outside it—will respond.
