President Donald Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, referring to him as a “sick puppy” and suggesting he shouldn’t be considered for the Democrats’ 2024 presidential ticket. Trump expressed pity for Waltz during a meeting with German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, stating, “They made a bad choice with him.”
Trump’s remarks came amid ongoing discussions about his connections with figures like Elon Musk, where he also lambasted the funding laws supporting his administration’s agenda. Musk had previously been a strong supporter of Trump during his campaign, even hosting rallies in critical swing states such as Pennsylvania.
Trump believes the Democrats should opt for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a running mate for former Vice President Kamala Harris, rather than choosing Waltz. He reminisced about Musk’s support, adding that if they had gone with someone competent, it could have changed the outcome.
Waltz had teamed up with Harris on a Democratic ticket in August 2024, shortly after President Joe Biden exited the race due to concerns over his mental fitness. This move was part of a strategy to rally support for Harris-Waltz before the election.
Waltz has hinted at his own ambitions for the 2028 presidential race, stating that if the opportunity arises, he would consider running. When a reporter asked him if he would enter the race, he joked about not turning down a job he’s not offered.
He admitted in an interview that experiencing a loss in a presidential election was challenging and expressed a willingness to run if he believed he could contribute meaningfully. “If I think I can offer something… I’d certainly think about it,” he mentioned, adding he wouldn’t presume the role should necessarily be his.
Overall, his perspective reflects a mix of ambition and caution, leaving the question of his potential candidacy open-ended.
