Overview

• At a Duluth Labor Day event, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz referenced online speculation by saying “there will be news sometime” as he alluded to rumors that President Trump had died.
• The unfounded claims followed roughly 72 hours without public appearances and receded after Trump was seen golfing in Sterling, Virginia and was heard alive on a call.
• On CNN, Republican strategist Scott Jennings called Walz a “complete piece of s---” and a “buffoon,” saying no elected official should appear to welcome a president’s death.
• Conservative outlets, including the Daily Caller and the Post Millennial, amplified criticism and cast Walz’s remarks as crossing an ethical line.
• In the same speech, Walz urged defending democracy and said, “We can be kind and still kick the living sh*t out of them,” drawing additional scrutiny to his tone.