White House claps back at Walz’s claims of ‘gulags,’ students ‘swept up’
In response to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s state of the state address, the White House hit back hard on Thursday, with Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields calling out the governor for his handling of the Minneapolis George Floyd riots in 2020. Fields criticized Walz for allowing the city to burn while his wife reportedly opened their mansion’s windows to savor the fumes. The statement also pointed out Walz’s association with Vice President Kamala Harris, who was accused of presiding over a chaotic administration.
During his address, Walz took aim at President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, particularly the deportation of illegal immigrants, suspected gang members, and terrorist sympathizers. He criticized the administration for what he described as a disregard for due process and freedom for all individuals. Walz received a standing ovation for his impassioned speech on the House floor.
The governor indirectly referenced the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant and suspected MS-13 member who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Despite the administration’s claims about Abrego Garcia’s ties to the gang and a domestic violence case, Democrats have advocated for his return to the U.S. from El Salvador.
Walz also criticized federal immigration authorities for detaining foreign students whose visas were revoked for allegedly organizing anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses. He did not mention anyone by name but highlighted the case of Rümeysa Öztürk and Mahmoud Khalil, who were held in Louisiana detention facilities.
Additionally, Walz took a swipe at Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, accusing the Trump administration of wanting to strip Medicaid coverage from individuals. He lamented the uncertainty and chaos in the nation, blaming Trump for dismantling government services and creating economic turmoil through reciprocal tariffs policies.
The governor emphasized the impact of Trump’s decisions on working-class Americans, stating that the president was out of touch with their needs. He criticized the administration for causing layoffs, raising the cost of goods, and destabilizing global markets.
In conclusion, the White House and Governor Walz are engaged in a war of words over immigration, due process, and economic policies. The political tensions between the two sides highlight the ongoing divide in the country’s leadership and the differing visions for America’s future.
