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ST. PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz emphasized his commitment on Wednesday evening to safeguard Minnesotans from the turmoil he attributes to the administration of President Donald Trump.
Addressing a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature during his annual State of the State speech, Walz asserted that while the state is experiencing strength, the nation is navigating a period of significant uncertainty. He attributed this turmoil to decisions made by the Republican president.
“The actions taken by the president have deliberately destabilized our economy,” Walz stated.
He elaborated on the repercussions, noting that “Global markets are on the verge of collapse. Companies across the nation, including those in Minnesota, are resorting to mass layoffs. Everyday consumers are facing rising prices for essential items. And for those who haven’t checked their retirement accounts lately, I suggest you hold off.”
This address marked Walz’s first significant address since campaigning in the 2024 elections alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, where they ultimately lost to Trump and Vice President JD Vance. While he received enthusiastic applause from Democrats, the response from Republicans was muted.
“As governor, my priority remains ensuring that Minnesotans are shielded from potential harm, providing them with a safe haven amidst this crisis,” Walz asserted.
He has indicated that his decision regarding a third full term as governor will come after the current legislative session, a feat not accomplished since the state transitioned to four-year terms for governors after the 1962 election.
Walz is frequently mentioned as a potential Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential election, and he has kept his profile high through regular appearances on national news platforms, echoing themes that resonated throughout his recent speech.
Additionally, he has initiated town hall meetings in Iowa, a key early state in the presidential primary process, particularly in Republican-held districts. This follows a suggestion by House Speaker Mike Johnson for GOP members to steer clear of such engagements.
In the immediate term, Walz’s focus is to collaborate with the divided Legislature to establish a balanced budget for the upcoming two years, a task that must be completed before the session concludes on May 19. The House is currently deadlocked at 67 votes for both parties, while Senate Democrats hold a slim majority, necessitating bipartisan cooperation for legislative progress.
House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a prominent Republican figure in the state, remarked that attributing issues to Washington is not constructive for Minnesota. She stressed the necessity for lawmakers to concentrate on addressing the immediate budget challenges.
Conversely, House Majority Leader Harry Niska criticized Walz’s address as an “angry tirade against Donald Trump,” arguing that it epitomizes a Democratic strategy of deflecting blame onto the former president rather than fostering bipartisan dialogue.
Walz specifically addressed the potential consequences of proposed Medicaid cuts by Washington Republicans, indicating that these actions could compel him to convene a special legislative session to address the resulting budget deficiencies.
Melissa Hortman, the House’s top Democratic leader, remarked that it is nearly impossible to ignore the ongoing chaos stemming from Washington. She highlighted the distinctions made in Walz’s speech between national issues and state-level initiatives.
Walz urged the Legislature to move beyond simply criticizing the administration, advocating for a demonstration to both Minnesotans and the nation of a more effective governing approach.
“The reality is that this administration won’t last forever,” he concluded. “Eventually, these small-minded individuals will fade into obscurity, and when that occurs, we will have a duty to reconstruct a government that serves the interests of working families.”
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abcnews.go.com