Trump Breaks Silence On Flag Lowering
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump on Monday strongly defended his decision not to lower U.S. flags to half-staff following the shocking assassination of Minnesota Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman earlier this summer.
Trump made it clear that the responsibility fell squarely on Minnesota’s Democrat Governor, Tim Walz, who never requested the gesture of national mourning.
Trump: “If He Had Asked, I Would Have Done It”
During an Oval Office press event, Trump was asked why he quickly honored conservative activist Charlie Kirk last week with a nationwide half-staff order, but not Rep. Hortman earlier this year.
“If the governor had asked me, I would have done it gladly,” Trump said, without directly naming Gov. Walz.
“It’s not something I would have thought of on my own — but had he requested it, I absolutely would have honored that.”
Trump’s comments came after widespread speculation from the media and political opponents who accused him of showing “partisan bias” in his decisions.
Gov. Walz’s office fired back through spokesperson Claire Lancaster, who claimed to the Associated Press, “Governor Walz wishes that President Trump would be a President for all Americans.”
The Brutal Assassination That Shocked Minnesota
Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark, were gunned down in June in what authorities have described as a politically motivated attack.
Also caught in the violence were State Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife, both of whom suffered multiple gunshot wounds but survived.
Hortman was a well-known figure in Minnesota politics, serving over two decades in public office, including six years as Speaker of the State House.
The attack sent shockwaves through the state and sparked fears of escalating political violence nationwide.
Trump Condemned the Attack – But Refused to Call Walz
While Trump publicly condemned the murders on Truth Social, calling the killings “horrific and un-American,” he also made it clear that he had no plans to personally reach out to Gov. Walz.
“I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out,” Trump said bluntly at the time.
“Why would I call him? It would be a total waste of time.”
Trump’s comments highlighted the deep political divide between his administration and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership.
Trump’s Swift Action for Charlie Kirk Sparks Contrast
Just last week, conservative America was rocked by another tragedy when Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a speech at Utah Valley University.
In response, Trump immediately ordered all U.S. flags at government buildings, military installations, and embassies worldwide lowered to half-staff.
The tribute lasted until sunset on Sunday.
Eric Trump also announced that all Trump Organization properties would lower their flags in honor of Kirk, demonstrating the family’s personal respect for the conservative leader.
Political Violence on the Rise – Trump Blames Radical Left
The assassination of both a Democratic lawmaker and a prominent conservative leader underscores the growing threat of politically motivated violence across the nation.
Trump has used the moment to warn Americans about escalating radicalism, placing much of the blame on what he calls the “radical far left.”
As the 2024 election cycle heats up, the issue of political violence and national unity is becoming a central focus of Trump’s message to voters.
Bottom Line
President Trump’s decision highlights a clear divide in how he interacts with political leaders depending on their willingness to engage with his administration.
While Trump acted decisively to honor conservative hero Charlie Kirk, he firmly placed responsibility for the Hortman tribute on Minnesota’s Democratic governor.
This episode adds fuel to the growing political firestorm heading into the next election season — and it raises questions about how deeply divided America has become.
