Byron Donalds Tears Apart Tim Walz During Trump-Vance Campaign Press Briefing at the Trump Tower hotel in Chicago

Byron Donalds

CHICAGO, IL — In a pointed critique during a Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign press briefing at the Trump Tower Hotel in Chicago on Tuesday, Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) took aim at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) for his delayed response to the riots that erupted in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Rep. Donalds did not hold back as he addressed the press, highlighting what he described as a significant failure in leadership by Gov. Walz during the critical days of unrest. "Governor Walz waited four days to call the National Guard," Donalds stated. "He watched the city of Minneapolis burn, and quite frankly, what was burning wasn't the upper-class neighborhoods of Minneapolis; it wasn't the suburbs. It was poor areas of Minneapolis, mostly inhabited by black and Hispanic people."

Donald's remarks underscored his view that Gov. Walz's inaction disproportionately affected minority communities, which bore the brunt of the violence and destruction. "Tim Walz didn't sit there and say, 'Oh my gosh, these communities of color are in a real tragic state. We have to send every resource possible to protect those people who have small businesses, who have homes.' He didn't do that. He watched it burn."

The congressman further criticized Walz's eventual decision to deploy the National Guard, suggesting it came only after public pressure became unavoidable. "It was only until the mayor of Minneapolis went public with the fact that he was getting no support from Governor Tim Walz that Walz decided to act. When everything had hit a crisis mode and there was no longer an ability to hide the inaction, that's when Tim Walz decided it was finally time to call for the National Guard," Donalds said.

The comments from Rep. Donalds reflect a broader critique from Republicans who have often pointed to the riots and civil unrest of 2020 as examples of Democratic leadership failing in critical moments. The Trump-Vance campaign has made law and order a central theme in their 2024 platform, positioning themselves as champions of public safety and strong governance.

As the campaign continues, such critiques are likely to remain a focal point, especially as the candidates seek to draw contrasts with their Democratic opponents on issues of crime and public safety.