Trump’s response tied to victims’ politics

President Trump’ initial response to the shooting death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” Trump wrote on his social media platform.

But his initial response to the murder of Minnesota Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and wounding of Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife Eyvette was a tad less sympathetic. As he returned from the G7 Summit three months ago right after the shootings, Trump was asked if he’d call Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to offer condolences:

“I don’t even call him. He’s slick. I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out. I’m not calling him. Why would I call him? I could call and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’ Uh, the guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess. I could be nice and call, but why waste time? Well, it’s a terrible thing. I think he’s a terrible governor. I think he’s a grossly incompetent person. But I may, I may call him, I may call other people too.”

Once again, unlike the 44 other presidents, Trump refuses to serve as president of any Americans not part of his base.

Walt Zlotow

Glen Ellyn