Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Goal: 1,000 supporters
Loading...

Fact check: Trumps reaction to Hortman's death?

Checked on September 16, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that Trump's reaction to Melissa Hortman's death was minimal, with some sources stating that he would have lowered flags in her honor if Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had asked him to [1] [2]. However, this claim is contrasted with reports that Trump initially seemed unfamiliar with Melissa Hortman and only responded after being informed about her [3]. Additionally, some sources criticize Trump's differing reactions to the assassinations of Hortman and other individuals, suggesting a partisan double standard [4]. It is also reported that Trump had previously stated it would be a 'waste' to call Governor Walz after Hortman's death, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in his reactions to tragedies [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key piece of missing context is the political climate and relationships between Trump and the governors or families of the deceased individuals, which could influence his reactions to their deaths [4]. Alternative viewpoints suggest that Trump's reactions may be driven by partisan considerations, with some sources implying that he is more likely to acknowledge and respond to tragedies involving individuals from his own party or ideological alignment [4] [5]. Furthermore, the fact that Trump's comments on lowering flags for Hortman came months after his initial statement that it would be a 'waste' to call Governor Walz highlights a potential inconsistency in his messaging [2]. The sources also do not provide a clear explanation for why Governor Walz did or did not request that Trump lower the flags, which could be an important factor in understanding the situation [6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement lacks context and clarity, which could lead to misinterpretation of Trump's reaction to Hortman's death. Some sources may be presenting a biased narrative, either by emphasizing Trump's perceived lack of initiative in acknowledging Hortman's death [1] or by downplaying his role in lowering flags for other individuals [5]. The fact that some sources frame Trump's reaction as a partisan issue [4] may also indicate a political bias. Additionally, the sources' focus on Trump's statements and actions may overshadow the actual tragedy and its impact on the individuals and communities affected, potentially perpetuating a narrative that prioritizes political controversy over human loss [3]. Overall, the potential for misinformation and bias in the original statement highlights the importance of considering multiple sources and evaluating the context and motivations behind each analysis [1] [4] [2].

Want to dive deeper?
What was Donald Trump's relationship with Hortman before their death?
How did other politicians react to Hortman's death compared to Trump?
Did Trump attend Hortman's funeral or memorial service?
What was the official cause of Hortman's death according to recent reports?
How did Hortman's death impact Trump's policy decisions in 2024?