I Lived In Minneapolis In 2020. Here Are 8 Things You Should Know About Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor And Democrat VP Pick

While some students stayed to participate in the protests, most of us saw the writing on the wall and left. We knew something was deeply wrong when police officers were attacked and then ordered to stand down as criminals ran rampant, setting fires and looting whatever they could grab.

But it wasn’t just the flames devouring the city and the streets I once drove as a student, nor the lawlessness that consumed downtown Minneapolis, where I had once shopped. It wasn’t even the fear I felt for my peers, who I knew were in the thick of those protests, that shook me the most. What struck me to my core was a short TV segment of a grown black man crying openly, raw and unfiltered, as if the camera didn't exist. He wasn't hiding his pain like so many proud men do; he didn’t care who saw. His voice, a mix of rage and heartbreak, echoed through the screen as he pleaded with the mob. He had worked hard to build his life, only to see it ripped apart in a matter of days. 

This, I realized, is what Governor Tim Walz’s leadership looks like – empty virtue signaling, a facade of care that in reality leaves communities demoralized and destroyed.

When I returned to campus after the smoke had settled, I came back to a place I could hardly recognize. Streets were either burned or shuttered, ravaged not just by riots but by some of the harshest Covid lockdowns in the country that continued through my entire senior year.

These images are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Walz administration, an administration laced with corruption and hollow gestures meant to appease the country’s elite and leave the rest of us in his ashes. 

Walz Let Minneapolis Burn

What I hope you understand most about Tim Walz is that he allowed a city I grew to love during my time as a student – a city he was supposed to protect and lead – to burn and be destroyed. And he did it all in the name of appeasing the liberal elite with hollow virtue signaling. His actions were a betrayal to the everyday people who call Minneapolis and St. Paul home. 

As most of us who were in the U.S. during 2020 remember, in the wake of George Floyd’s death, Minneapolis became the epicenter of widespread protests and civil unrest, culminating in some of the most destructive riots in recent American history. Governor Tim Walz’s response, or lack thereof, to the chaos that ensued was a catastrophic failure of leadership, one that allowed Minneapolis to burn while the most vulnerable communities suffered the greatest loss.

As protests erupted into violent riots, Walz’s indecision and delayed actions left the city and its residents exposed to unchecked destruction. The chaos reached its peak on Lake Street, where entire blocks were reduced to ashes. Buildings that had stood for decades were burned to the ground, and local businesses – many minority-owned – were destroyed, leaving countless residents without jobs, access to essential services, or even basic necessities. The devastation extended beyond property loss; lives were lost in the turmoil, and communities were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered neighborhoods, many of which have yet to recover.

Yet Walz was unmoved. Walz’s wife allegedly opened the windows of the governor’s mansion to smell the burning tires, calling it a “touchstone” of what was happening in an interview. This act, symbolic of the disconnect between the state’s leadership and the harsh realities on the ground, became a chilling metaphor for the administration’s apparent indifference to the suffering of ordinary Minnesotans. While the governor and his family were safely insulated from the destruction, those in the heart of Minneapolis were left to fend for themselves.

Walz’s hesitation to deploy the National Guard has been widely condemned as one of the most critical failures of his response. As the city burned and residents pleaded for help, Walz delayed authorizing the Guard’s deployment, leaving law enforcement overwhelmed and unable to contain the escalating violence. Even when the National Guard was finally called in, it was too little, too late. The damage had already been done, and the city was left scarred by the loss of life, property, and trust in its leaders.

During the escalating violence, officers were ordered not to wear protective gear, resulting in many being injured by bottles, cement, and other projectiles. The decision to abandon the Third Precinct – a critical symbol of law and order – was particularly demoralizing. According to Sergeant Anna Hedberg, the directive to "give up the precinct" reportedly came from Governor Walz, further exacerbating the sense of betrayal felt by the police force as told during a Minnesota Senate hearing.

In the aftermath, many have questioned why Walz chose to restrict law enforcement’s ability to do their jobs effectively. The decision to hold back the police and delay the deployment of the National Guard is seen as a pivotal decision that allowed the riots to spiral out of control. The repercussions of these decisions are still felt today, as the city struggles to rebuild and restore a sense of security among its residents.

Walz Lied About Going To War To Help Himself Politically

Walz had long presented himself as a retired Command Sergeant Major (CSM) in the Minnesota National Guard, a prestigious rank that denotes significant responsibility and leadership. However, it was later revealed that Walz retired as a Master Sergeant (E-8) because he did not complete the required coursework at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. 

This omission meant that while Walz may have held the rank of CSM temporarily, he could not officially retire with that designation. This discrepancy has led to accusations of "stolen valor," a term used to describe individuals who falsely claim military honors or achievements for personal gain.

Adding to the controversy, Walz has been criticized for statements suggesting he had direct combat experience. At one point, he claimed to have carried weapons of war into war, implying that he had been in active combat zones. However, this assertion has been widely disputed, as his deployment to Italy in 2003 was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, a mission that did not involve direct combat. These exaggerations have prompted serious questions about his integrity, with critics arguing that if Walz is willing to lie about his military service, what else might he be willing to fabricate?

Walz's retirement from the National Guard in May 2005, just two months before his unit was deployed to Iraq, has also sparked accusations that he chose to leave the service to avoid combat. Critics argue that his decision to retire at that time was suspiciously convenient, particularly given his subsequent run for Congress. Walz, however, has defended his decision, stating that his retirement was motivated by his desire to pursue public office, not to evade deployment.

Despite the backlash, Walz and his campaign have attempted to downplay the controversy, acknowledging that some of his statements were miscommunications or misstatements, despite the fact that Walz falsely claims rank numerous times throughout many years. 

However, for many, these explanations have not been enough to quell concerns about his honesty and character. The issue of military service is deeply personal for many Americans, and any perceived dishonesty in this area can be a significant liability for a politician. 

Walz Signed a Transgender Trafficking Bill into Law

Walz signed HF146, a bill that has been dubbed the "Transgender Trafficking Bill." The legislation, along with an executive order issued by Walz on March 8, 2023, positions Minnesota as a "sanctuary state" for minors seeking transgender procedures, even without parental consent.

HF146 allows minors to travel across state lines to access a range of transgender procedures, including hormone treatments, breast binders, and even irreversible surgeries like double mastectomies and castration. Under this law, if parents refuse to consent to these procedures, they can be denied custody of their children. The bill has raised alarms about the potential nullification of existing custody agreements from other states, thereby impacting parental rights across the nation. Critics argue that the legislation effectively sanctions state-sponsored trafficking of children by stripping parents of their rights and allowing minors to undergo life-altering procedures without parental involvement.

Governor Walz's executive order reinforces the provisions of HF146 by ensuring that children in Minnesota can obtain these irreversible procedures and treatments, which are described as "medically necessary" under the law, despite no evidence that this is the case. During the signing ceremony, Walz held the hand of a 12-year-old whose parents insist that he is transgender. 

This move has drawn sharp criticism from parental rights advocates and concerned parents nationwide. Erin Lee, a mother from Colorado, expressed deep concerns about Walz’s track record on gender ideology. Lee, who experienced state intervention in her own family when a teacher attempted to help her daughter transition without parental consent, warned of the profound pain and disruption these laws can cause. "As a parent who had the state intervene in my family, I know the pain that it causes families when these laws impact their lives. It’s very real," Lee stated to the Daily Signal.

Beyond the HF146 bill, Walz has also been criticized for his broader gender policies, including initiatives like placing tampons in boys' bathrooms in Minnesota schools. Detractors argue that these policies are not only bizarre but also wasteful, reflecting a broader agenda that undermines traditional parental rights and responsibilities.

Walz Encouraged Minnesotans To Snitch on Neighbors during Covid

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Walz's administration launched a controversial hotline designed to allow Minnesotans to report their neighbors for activities deemed in violation of the governor's Covid-19 restrictions. These activities ranged from playing basketball in a park and walking dogs to holding small gatherings and church services.

The hotline generated thousands of reports from concerned – or perhaps overzealous – citizens. Files from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) revealed that approximately 10,000 Covid-related emails passed through the hotline, with complaints being triaged and reported to local authorities for further action. One report detailed a "very large gathering" at a pickup basketball game with over 30 participants, while another flagged a Facebook photo of people working out in a park. Even purchasing non-essential items like candy bars and lottery tickets at convenience stores became the subject of snitching, as some citizens took it upon themselves to enforce the governor’s orders.

The so-called "snitch line" quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who argued it infringed on personal freedoms and encouraged division within communities. Despite the backlash, Governor Walz defended the hotline as a necessary tool to alleviate pressure on 911 lines and ensure compliance with public health measures.

However, many saw the hotline as an overreach of government power, turning neighbors against each other in the name of public safety.

Walz Destroyed Minnesota’s Economy

Minnesota, once a thriving hub for Fortune 500 companies and a beacon of economic opportunity, has seen its prosperity dwindle under the leadership of Governor Tim Walz. The state’s robust job market, which attracted me to the University of Minnesota as a business student, has faced significant setbacks due to Walz’s policies, leaving many to question the future of Minnesota’s economy.

One of the most alarming aspects of Walz’s tenure has been the dramatic decline in job creation across multiple sectors. Minnesota, historically known for its strong professional, manufacturing, and accounting industries, has seen these areas suffer under his administration. Kevin O’Leary, a well-known businessman and Shark Tank star, criticized Walz’s economic management, telling Fox Business, “He wiped out job creation in professional, in manufacturing, in accounting – every subcategory you look at. Those jobs moved to South Dakota, North Dakota.” This exodus of jobs has left Minnesota trailing behind neighboring states, with South Dakota’s job growth rate now four times that of Minnesota.

Adding to the economic woes, Walz burned through nearly $20 billion in surplus, the largest in Minnesota’s history, and imposed an additional $8 billion in new taxes. Minnesota now has the highest corporate tax rate in the country at 9.8%. He also added a surcharge of 1% on top of the 9.8% tax rate on individuals who are retiring, driving many retirees and investors out of the state. As O’Leary pointed out, “All of his retirees have moved out of the state, billions of dollars left,” signaling a troubling trend of capital flight that threatens the state’s long-term economic stability.

Walz’s policies have also impacted Minnesota’s ability to compete in critical industries. His 20-year mining ban has hindered access to rare earth metals vital for electric vehicle production, forcing reliance on conflict minerals from regions like China. This decision has raised concerns about Minnesota’s role in the global economy, especially as the demand for these resources continues to grow.

Critics argue that Walz’s lack of private sector experience made him ill-equipped to manage Minnesota’s economy effectively. With no background in business, there are doubts about his ability to restore the American economy, boost business and trade, and negotiate with foreign governments. As Minnesota’s economic decline continues, many are left questioning how someone with no private sector experience can be trusted to lead and make informed decisions that impact the nation’s future.

Walz Threw Small Business Owners in Jail for Bogus Covid Rules

Tim Walz went after small business owners during the bogus Covid lockdowns. Lisa Hanson, the owner of a small wine and coffee bistro in Minnesota, became a symbol of the backlash when she was arrested and fined for keeping her small business open.

Hanson’s business initially complied with the state’s lockdown orders in March 2020. However, as months passed, she observed a stark inconsistency in how the rules were applied. While small businesses like hers were forced to shut down, larger corporations, liquor stores, and even strip clubs were allowed to continue operations. This disparity led Hanson to believe that Walz’s orders unfairly targeted small businesses, particularly mom-and-pop shops that were simply trying to make a living.

Frustrated with the ongoing restrictions, Hanson decided to reopen her bistro in defiance of Walz’s renewed shutdown order for bars and restaurants in December 2020. Within 48 hours of reopening, Hanson claimed that the state came down on her "with a vengeance." The Minnesota Department of Health and Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office quickly took action, resulting in a series of civil and criminal cases against her.

Hanson was eventually convicted of misdemeanor charges in December 2021, receiving the maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. She served 60 days, missing out on significant family events, including Christmas, her wedding anniversary, and the birth of a grandchild. Hanson described the experience as "living a nightmare," with her business ultimately destroyed under the pressure of legal fees and government actions.

Hanson and her supporters argue that Walz’s enforcement of the lockdown orders was not about public health but about exerting control. "Tim Walz is not some cuddly, joyful, coach-like [figure]," Hanson said. "This man would like to take your rights away." She highlighted that many other small business owners, particularly women, faced similar punitive measures when trying to keep their businesses afloat during the Covid lockdowns.

Walz Reversed His Vote To Protect Babies Born Alive during an Abortion

Governor Tim Walz’s decision to reverse his stance on providing medical care to infants who survive abortion procedures has raised serious questions about his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. Originally voting in favor of legislation that would have required medical care for babies born alive during failed abortion attempts, Walz later reversed his position.

This reversal has drawn sharp criticism from those who believe that it reflects a profound lack of compassion and a troubling disregard for the sanctity of life. Critics argue that by changing his vote, Walz has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize political expediency over basic human decency.  

The Largest Covid Fraud Scheme in the U.S. History Unfolded Under Tim Walz’s Watch

Under Governor Walz’s administration, Minnesota became the epicenter of the largest Covid-19 fraud scheme in U.S. history, with an astonishing $250 million in federal funds being misappropriated. The scheme, centered around the Feeding Our Future program, involved dozens of individuals and organizations inflating the number of meals they claimed to provide to children in need during the pandemic. Instead of feeding hungry children, the funds were used to purchase luxury cars, expensive homes, and other personal indulgences, according to the Minnesota Reformer.

The sheer scale of this fraud is staggering, with one trial alone revealing that $49 million was fraudulently obtained by seven defendants who inflated meal counts at 50 locations across the state. This case, and others like it, have highlighted significant oversight failures within Walz’s administration, allowing such a massive operation to go undetected for far too long.

Governor Walz’s failure to ensure proper oversight of these funds raises serious questions about his leadership and responsibility. Under his watch, taxpayer dollars meant to support vulnerable children during a global crisis were siphoned off by criminals who took advantage of the system’s weaknesses. This debacle has not only deprived those in need but has also shattered public trust in government-run programs.

Closing Thoughts

Tim Walz’s tenure as governor has left a legacy marked by failed promises and a disconnect from the needs of the people. His actions – or lack thereof – during the riots exposed a troubling indifference to the suffering of everyday Minnesotans. The empty gestures and virtue signaling he employed did nothing to mitigate the real pain and destruction felt by the community. His leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic further compounded the damage, as small businesses were targeted and economic opportunities dwindled.

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