President Donald Trump has expressed strong disapproval of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz being selected as the Democratic Party’s vice presidential candidate for the 2024 election, labeling him a "sick puppy". During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump voiced his concerns, suggesting that the Democrats made a significant error in choosing Walz as Kamala Harris’s running mate. Trump pointed out that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro would have been a better choice, emphasizing the importance of having a strong and capable running mate in the upcoming presidential race.
The remarks were made in the context of discussions about Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the 2024 campaign who has been a key ally in rallying support and holding rallies in key battleground states like Pennsylvania. Trump highlighted Musk’s significant role in his campaign, noting that Musk’s support was crucial in the early stages of the electoral battle. Despite Musk’s efforts, the Democratic Party’s choice of Walz has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who believes it negatively impacts their chances of winning.
Walz’s selection came after former President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July 2024, leading to Kamala Harris taking over as the Democratic nominee. The campaign for the Harris-Walz ticket had a short window of just over 100 days before the November 5 election. Following the election, Walz indicated he might consider a presidential run in 2028 if the circumstances were right, underscoring the growing attention on potential future political opportunities for state governors and other high-profile figures.