Tim Walz invites Texans to “freedom” in Minnesota while his own state’s authoritarian record exposes his hypocrisy.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently made headlines by inviting Texans to relocate to what he called the “free state” of Minnesota, setting off a heated exchange with Senator Ted Cruz. This bold recruitment attempt has backfired spectacularly as critics point to Walz’s own controversial record, including his response to the George Floyd riots, implementation of strict COVID measures, and possible involvement in a pandemic-era nonprofit fraud scheme. While attempting to position himself for a potential 2028 presidential run, Walz’s invitation has instead highlighted the stark differences between his rhetoric of freedom and the reality of his governance.
Cruz Demolishes Walz’s “Freedom” Charade
When Governor Tim Walz tried to entice Texans to move to Minnesota by portraying his state as a bastion of freedom, Senator Ted Cruz wasn’t having any of it. Cruz fired back with a brutal reminder of Walz’s actual governing record: “Tim, you let your state burn to the ground as you opened a hotline to encourage Minnesotans to snitch on each other for not wearing a mask.” This sharp retort cut through Walz’s carefully crafted narrative, reminding Americans of the governor’s heavy-handed COVID-19 policies that included encouraging citizens to report on their neighbors – hardly the hallmark of a “free” society.
The Minneapolis Meltdown: Walz’s Failed Leadership During Riots
While Walz preaches about freedom to Texans, Minnesotans haven’t forgotten how he handled the George Floyd riots. Instead of swiftly protecting businesses and communities, Walz allowed Minneapolis to burn for days before taking meaningful action. When he finally did respond, his approach was hardly gentle. Video evidence showed riot police enforcing his curfew by shooting paintballs at residents who were simply standing on their own porches. This authoritarian response stands in stark contrast to his current freedom-loving rhetoric.
“Disturbing video shows dozens of riot cops enforcing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s curfew order spreading out in a Minneapolis neighborhood and peppering residents with paintballs while they stood on their porches and in their front doorways.” – Tanya Kersson
Guns and Personal Safety: The Walz Double Standard
Walz’s newfound focus on Texas comes shortly after he shared a personal story about his 17-year-old son witnessing a shooting at a community center. During the Vice Presidential debate, he used this experience to advocate for stricter gun control, including “red flag” laws and expanded background checks. Yet ironically, while pushing to limit Texans’ Second Amendment rights, Walz seems unconcerned with the reality that his own state’s crime rates in cities like Minneapolis have soared under his leadership, leaving citizens increasingly vulnerable.
“I got a 17-year-old, and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball. Those things don’t leave you.” – Tim Walz
Meanwhile, in Texas, a legal battle is unfolding over Second Amendment rights at the State Fair of Texas. Attorney General Ken Paxton is fighting to ensure Texans can exercise their right to self-defense on public property, stating: “I will continue to fight this on the merits to uphold Texans’ ability to defend themselves, which is protected by State law.” This stark contrast in approaches to personal security and constitutional rights makes Walz’s invitation seem not just tone-deaf but outright absurd.
Political Posturing for 2028
What’s really happening here is transparent political posturing. Walz appears to be elevating his national profile for a potential 2028 presidential run. His invitation to Texans isn’t about genuine concern for their welfare but about generating headlines and positioning himself as a bold leader willing to challenge conservative strongholds. This comes as Democrats are pouring millions into Colin Allred’s campaign to challenge Ted Cruz in Texas, suggesting a coordinated effort to shift the narrative in the Lone Star State.
As Walz criticizes the Trump-Vance administration and likens ICE agents to a “modern-day Gestapo,” he conveniently glosses over his own record of authoritarian governance. The irony is palpable: a governor who enforced some of the strictest COVID measures in the nation now positions himself as a champion of freedom. Texans, known for their fierce independence and commitment to liberty, are unlikely to fall for this transparent political theater from a governor whose actions speak much louder than his invitations.
