President Trump criticizes Gov. Tim Walz as a “sick puppy,” slams his VP nomination, and suggests Democrats made a poor choice.

Trump Questions Democratic Ticket During Oval Office Meeting

President Donald Trump delivered a sharp rebuke of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Thursday, calling him a “sick puppy” and asserting that he never should have been chosen as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee for the 2024 election. The remarks were made during a meeting in the Oval Office with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“He's a sick puppy, that guy, that poor guy. I feel sorry for him,” Trump said, adding, “They made a bad choice with him.” Trump criticized the Democratic Party’s decision to select Walz to join former Vice President Kamala Harris on the ticket, implying that other choices would have been more competitive.

The comment came in response to a reporter’s question about Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk, who previously led the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has recently criticized Trump’s comprehensive legislative package, often referred to by the administration as the “big beautiful bill.” The legislation plays a central role in funding Trump’s second-term agenda and has been framed as essential to GOP unity.

Despite Musk’s recent opposition, Trump reminded reporters that Musk had been a strong supporter during the campaign, rallying in key battleground states including Pennsylvania. Trump argued that if the Democrats had selected Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro instead of Walz, the electoral outcome might have been different.

“Elon endorsed me very strongly. He actually went up and campaigned for me,” Trump said. “I think I would have won... even if the governor had the real governor, not the governor, for a Minnesota.”

He continued by referencing an arson attack on Shapiro’s home that occurred in April while the governor’s family was inside. “But if they picked him, I would have won Pennsylvania,” Trump added.

Walz officially joined the Harris campaign in August 2024, shortly after President Joe Biden exited the race in July amid growing public concern about his mental fitness. With just over 100 days to Election Day on November 5, the Harris-Walz campaign had limited time to consolidate support.

Since the election, Walz has indicated he may seek the presidency in 2028. In an interview published by the New Yorker in March, Walz said a friend once advised him, “Never turn down a job you haven’t been offered.” He added, “If I think I could offer something... I would certainly consider that.”

Still, Walz tempered his comments by stating, “I’m also, though, not arrogant enough to believe there’s a lot of people that can do this.” He said he would run in 2028 only if the circumstances aligned and he felt he had the right “skill set.”

Trump’s sharp critique of Walz underscores ongoing partisan friction as Republicans look ahead to shaping the political landscape beyond 2024. The president’s remarks also signal continued influence over GOP narratives and post-election positioning.