If you’re waiting for a friendly "how’s it going?" call between the White House and the Minnesota Governor’s mansion, don’t hold your breath. Honestly, the relationship between Donald Trump and Tim Walz has moved past "frosty" and straight into "arctic." In fact, as of mid-January 2026, the silence isn't just a snub anymore—it’s a central part of the administration's political strategy.
The two haven't spoken. At all.
Even after major tragedies in Minnesota, like the targeted shooting of state lawmakers back in June 2025, the phone stayed on the hook. While tradition usually dictates that a President calls a Governor after such an event to offer condolences and federal help, Trump was blunt about his refusal. He told reporters on Air Force One that calling Walz would simply "waste time."
The "Whacked Out" Label and the 2024 Hangover
Why the intense animosity? It’s not just one thing. Part of it is the lingering bitterness from the 2024 campaign, where Walz was the guy who famously labeled Trump and JD Vance as "just weird." That simple word stuck. It clearly got under the skin of the Trump campaign.
Trump hasn’t forgotten. He has publicly referred to Walz as "slick," "whacked out," and a "mess." When you’re at that level of personal dislike, the normal gears of government cooperation start to grind and seize.
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A Policy War Over Minnesota
The silence has shifted from personal insults to high-stakes policy battles. We’re seeing a full-blown war over everything from childcare funding to immigration enforcement.
Just a few weeks ago, the Trump administration froze federal childcare funding for Minnesota. Trump took to Truth Social to claim that up to 90% of fraud in the state is caused by illegal immigration, specifically targeting the Somali community. He called Walz a "Crooked Governor" and accused him of "destroying" the state.
Walz didn’t take it lying down. He slammed the funding freeze as a "political ruse" and a "campaign of retribution." He’s basically saying Trump is using the power of the federal government to punish a state that didn't vote for him and a Governor who ran against him.
The Minneapolis Protests and the Insurrection Act
Things reached a boiling point this week. After an ICE agent shot an undocumented immigrant in Minneapolis, the city has seen a surge in protests and tear gas. Instead of picking up the phone to coordinate a response with the Governor, Trump did something much more drastic.
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He threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act.
Basically, he’s saying if Walz won't "obey the law" and stop "professional agitators," the military will do it for him. This is a massive escalation. Instead of a phone call, we’re getting threats of federal troops on the streets of Minneapolis.
"Governor Walz wishes that President Trump would be a President for all Americans, but this tragedy isn't about Trump or Walz." — Teddy Tschann, Walz’s spokesperson.
JD Vance: The Only Bridge?
Interestingly, there has been one channel of communication. JD Vance actually did call Walz after the lawmaker shootings in 2025. Walz said he was "grateful" for that call and that Vance followed through on getting the FBI involved.
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But that seems to be the exception. At the top level, the bridge is gone. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed today that the President and Walz have not spoken, even as the situation in Minneapolis spirals. Instead of talking, the White House is telling Walz to stop "inciting harassment" of federal agents.
What This Means for You
When the federal government and a state government stop talking, things get messy for regular people.
- Funding Cuts: Programs like childcare subsidies can be held up in the crossfire.
- Security Risks: If there's no coordination during civil unrest, the risk of things getting out of hand increases.
- Legal Battles: Expect more lawsuits. The ACLU has already sued over what they call "racial profiling" during the recent crackdown in Minnesota.
How to Navigate the Fallout
If you live in Minnesota or are following this closely, here is the reality of the situation:
- Monitor State Resources Directly: Since federal funding is being used as a lever, keep a close eye on the Minnesota Department of Human Services for updates on program availability.
- Verify Information: Both sides are using very heavy rhetoric. When you hear claims about "90% fraud" or "campaigns of retribution," look for the underlying data or court filings.
- Watch the Courts: The resolution to this silence won't come through a phone call. It will come through the judicial system. Keep an eye on the lawsuits filed by Attorney General Keith Ellison against the federal government.
The "Trump won't call Walz" narrative is more than just a lack of manners. It’s a preview of how the administration intends to handle "blue state" governors who remain vocal critics. Don't expect a dial tone anytime soon.
Next Steps for Staying Informed:
You should check the official Minnesota State Governor's website for any emergency declarations regarding the Minneapolis protests. Additionally, following the dockets for the U.S. District Court of Minnesota will give you the first look at how the childcare funding freeze is being challenged legally.