Trump amplifies false conspiracy theory linking Gov. Walz to Minnesota lawmaker's assassination

President Trump reposted a video on Truth Social promoting a baseless conspiracy theory that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz orchestrated the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in June 2025. The video falsely claimed Walz had Hortman killed to cover up welfare fraud. Law enforcement authorities conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence whatsoever connecting Walz to the murders. Minnesota leaders from both parties, including Republican state legislators and Democratic officials, condemned the post as 'dangerous, depraved behavior.' Hortman's children publicly asked Trump to remove the misinformation and apologize for dishonoring their mother's memory. The incident represents Trump's continued effort to politically damage Walz, his 2024 vice presidential opponent, now escalating to accusations of murder.

"Trump reposted a video on Truth Social asserting, without evidence, that Walz had Hortman assassinated." — The video promoted a baseless conspiracy theory claiming Walz orchestrated the June 2025 murders to cover up welfare fraud, despite law enforcement finding no evidence of his involvement.