Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has publicly condemned the actions of motorists who have been shouting derogatory terms while driving past his residence. He attributes this behavior to the divisive rhetoric propagated by former President Donald Trump, who has made disparaging comments about Walz and the state's Somali immigrant population.

During a press conference focused on the state budget, Walz described the situation as 'shameful' and expressed concern that such taunts could escalate into violence. He noted that he had not witnessed similar behavior in his time in office, emphasizing the potential dangers of hate speech.

Trump has previously claimed that Walz is 'seriously retarded' for his policies regarding Somali immigrants, suggesting that they have negatively impacted the state. In a Thanksgiving social media post, Trump accused Somali immigrants of engaging in fraudulent activities and contributing to crime, further inflaming tensions.

In response to Trump's comments, Walz remarked on social media, challenging the former president's mental fitness. The White House physician later characterized Trump's health examination as normal.

The issue of fraud within Minnesota's social services has also been highlighted, with federal prosecutors convicting individuals involved in schemes that defrauded the state of over $250 million. While some state agency employees have pointed fingers at Walz for the fraud, he has attributed the problem to a broader 'culture of generosity' within the state.

Walz is currently campaigning for a third term as governor in the upcoming 2026 elections.