Trump Defends Decision Not to Lower Flags for Melissa Hortman

The recent assassinations of political figures have reignited discussions about political violence in the United States. Melissa Hortman, the Democratic speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, was killed alongside her husband in June 2025. In contrast, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event in Utah just days before President Donald Trump made public statements regarding flag protocol for their respective deaths.

WRAL

During a press briefing on September 15, 2025, President Trump stated that he would have ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Hortman if he had been requested to do so by Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz. Trump emphasized, “Well, if the governor had asked me to do that, I would have done that, but the governor of Minnesota didn’t ask me.” This remark came in response to questions about why he had ordered flags to be lowered for Kirk but not for Hortman.

The HillWRALThe Guardian

Trump's comments have drawn criticism for seemingly dismissing the significance of Hortman's assassination. Claire Lancaster, a spokesperson for Governor Walz, expressed disappointment, stating, “Governor Walz wishes that President Trump would be a President for all Americans.” Critics argue that Trump's failure to act following Hortman's death reflects a broader tendency to politicize violence, focusing primarily on incidents involving conservatives while downplaying those affecting Democrats.

The Hill

In the wake of Kirk's assassination, Trump has intensified his rhetoric against the "radical left," alleging that they incite violence. He stated, “The radical left really has caused a lot of problems for this country,” while failing to acknowledge the violence against Democrats, including Hortman's murder. This selective narrative has raised concerns about the implications for political discourse and unity in the country.

The Guardian

While Trump has attributed Kirk's death to left-wing violence, law enforcement agencies have indicated that Kirk's killer acted alone, and the motive remains unclear. Furthermore, Trump's previous comments about Hortman's assassination, which he labeled a "terrible shooting," did not include any calls for action or condolences to the governor at the time, leading to accusations of inconsistency in his approach to political violence.

The Guardian

• “Well, if the governor had asked me to do that, I would have done that, but the governor of Minnesota didn’t ask me,” — President Donald Trump

New York Times

• “I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out. I’m not calling,” — President Donald Trump

The Hill

• “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated.” — President Donald Trump, regarding Hortman's assassination.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

As the nation grapples with the implications of political violence, discussions surrounding the need for unity and bipartisan responses are expected to continue. Trump has indicated plans to attend Kirk's funeral, where he may further address the issue of political violence and its impact on American society.

The Guardian