Former President Trump stated that he would have ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the slain Minnesota Democrat, Melissa Hortman, if Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had asked him to do so. Initially claiming he was not familiar with the assassination, Trump shifted blame to Walz for not requesting the gesture. Amid criticism, he emphasized that he often had to say no in similar situations, defending his lack of action by reiterating that he was not contacted by the governor. His comments sparked backlash and raised questions regarding his responsiveness to such tragic events.