1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

On June 17, President Trump said, calling Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after the assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman “would be a waste of time.” He called Walz “whacked out” and “a mess.” This wasn’t a moment of political disagreement; it was a test of basic human decency. And Trump failed it. When leaders mock instead of mourn, insult instead of unite, the damage goes beyond words. It encourages the idea that political violence isn’t just inevitable, it’s acceptable. These are not the values of a democracy. They are the symptoms of something darker. We need elected officials who choose compassion over contempt. I urge you to publicly reject this rhetoric and affirm that leadership means standing with all Americans, especially in moments of grief and crisis. This is not about politics. It’s about what kind of country we want to be.