Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has escalated his criticism of President Donald Trump, alleging that the president is steering the United States toward authoritarian rule and suggesting he may soon adopt military attire.
Walz’s remarks were made during an interview on MSNBC’s “The Briefing” with former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
The interview followed a reference to Walz’s comments in a March New Yorker article, where he discussed a potential “worst-case scenario” under a Trump presidency. Psaki inquired whether that scenario was currently unfolding.
READ: Newt Gingrich Urges Deep Skepticism In U.S. Diplomacy With China, Citing Cheating Risk
“No, I think it gets worse,” Walz responded, asserting his belief that the situation could deteriorate further. “I don’t say that as a pessimist. I say it as a realist. We will win this. We will win it because the Constitution will stay strong. We’re still seeing the courts, while they’re under stress, holding.”
Walz then accused President Trump of attempting to criminalize political dissent.
“I see Donald Trump, and I said it many months ago that he will eventually try and incarcerate political opponents,” he stated, citing alleged threats against Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and others who “don’t fall in line.”
The governor further speculated about a potential shift toward authoritarianism, referencing a hypothetical military parade.
“Look, we’re going to have a military parade for him,” Walz continued. “I was only half tongue-in-cheek saying this guy will be in a military uniform before long. He is fully headed towards authoritarianism.”
READ: Bernie Sanders Defends Private Jet Use, Dismisses Criticism As ‘Out-Of-Touch’
These comments come amid heightened political tension between political rivals following Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. Democratic state officials, including Walz and Evers, have been vocal critics of the president’s policies and leadership style.
In March, Walz, speaking at an event sponsored by the Iowa Democratic Party at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, delivered a broadside against Trump and his administration. During the event, Walz acknowledged the frustration of Trump’s opponents, saying, “I would argue that Democratic officials should hear the primal scream that’s coming from America,” capturing the sentiment as, “Do something, damn it! This is wrong!”
He also targeted Elon Musk, who oversees the Department of Government Efficiency. “There’s nothing conservative about an unelected South African nepo baby firing people at the VA,” Walz said, drawing laughter from the crowd of over 1,000 attendees.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
