Podcast Summary:

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: Kids of Murdered Lawmaker Plead with Trump: Take Down That Post
Release Date: January 5, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This episode explores the emotional and political fallout after President Trump reposted a video suggesting a baseless conspiracy theory involving Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz in the murder of prominent state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. The main focus is on the heartfelt public pleas from the Hortman children, Colin and Sophie, urging the president to remove the post out of respect and basic human decency. Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes discuss the broader implications of political rhetoric, conspiracy theories, and the fuel they add to an already polarized environment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Decency at the Forefront

• Central Theme: The hosts repeatedly emphasize the need for "basic decency"—the moral responsibility of public figures, especially the president, to exercise care with their words and actions.
• Quote (T.J. Holmes): "Step one is just the basic decency. What do you make of this whole story... the idea that decency is at the forefront?" [00:22]

Background: The Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting

• Over the summer, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed by a shooter who had targeted Minnesota lawmakers.

• A letter found in the perpetrator's car, addressed to the FBI director, was widely deemed delusional and baselessly accused Governor Tim Waltz of orchestrating the murders to advance his own political career.

• President Trump reposted a video perpetuating this conspiracy theory, suggesting Waltz’s involvement without evidence.

• Quote (Amy Robach): "To take a letter written by someone who now stands facing multiple federal murder charges, to take that and to make it seem as though it were fact... is a preposterous notion." [03:05]

The Plea from the Victims’ Children

• Colin and Sophie Hortman spoke publicly, urging Trump to take down the video and apologize, highlighting the harm caused by spreading misinformation.

• Colin’s statement:

  • "My father and mother, Mark and Melissa Hortman and their dog Gilbert, were killed by a man who believed conspiracy theories and fake news. Words matter. Sharing fake news is dangerous..."
  • "I am asking President Trump to remove the video that he shared and apologize to me and my family for posting this misinformation..." [05:16]

• Sophie’s statement:

  • "The video being shared by the president is another hurdle our family must overcome... I ask President Trump to please consider the pain and sadness we have faced... By taking down the post on Truth Social. We must create a society in which we do not harbor hatred and violence toward our political opponents." [07:24]

• The hosts observe the statements are not political attacks, but human pleas rooted in grief, respect, and a hope for decency.

• Quote (Amy Robach): "It really came off as a plea. Please understand the pain you’re causing and the harm you could actually be inciting by your words there." [09:05]

Amplifying Conspiracies and Real-World Impact

• Both hosts detail the danger when false narratives are elevated from fringe corners to the national stage, especially by influential figures.
• Robach expresses alarm at the real-world impact, noting comments online openly asserting the governor should be arrested based on the conspiracy theory.
• Quote (Amy Robach): "People are absolutely 100% believing this, saying, why hasn’t Tim Waltz been arrested? Why is he still allowed to be governor?... it’s scary. One comment after another." [07:01]

Broader Political Context

• President Trump’s social media habits: Known for rapid-fire posting and reposting, sometimes amplifying unchecked conspiracy claims.

• Discussion about his targeting of Minnesota issues, including attacks on the Somali community, Ilhan Omar, and Governor Waltz, particularly in relation to daycare fraud investigations.

• Worry that such rhetoric continues to stoke division and could spur further violence.

• Quote (T.J. Holmes): "Conspiracy theories are going to be out there online, nonstop. When the President... posts something like this, it elevates it and moves it to another level." [03:32]

Lack of Response and Low Expectations

• The hosts note that, despite widespread calls, there has been no takedown, apology, or response from either the Trump campaign or the White House.
• Both reflect on past patterns, expressing skepticism that Trump will ever walk back such posts.
• Quote (Amy Robach): "I cannot recall a moment in which he acknowledged he overstepped... I’ve never heard him walk back a statement he’s made or a post he’s put up." [13:01]

Tim Waltz and Political Fallout

• Readout of the official statement from Governor Tim Waltz:
  • "It is dangerous, depraved behavior from the sitting president of the United States... He is going to get more innocent people killed. America is better than this." [14:36]
• The hosts discuss that Waltz may announce he’s dropping out of the gubernatorial race due to the swirling scandals and political pressure.
• Emphasis on the alarming nature of high-level officials promoting known falsehoods.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• T.J. Holmes: "He is putting a target on you... In some people's twisted minds... that means Tim Waltz is a criminal and he is a target to be taken out justifiably." [06:12]
• Amy Robach: "We must create a society in which we do not harbor hatred and violence toward our political opponents. And this video promotes a false narrative which fuels the flames of political division." [07:33]
• Amy Robach: "This is just another Monday. And there is going to potentially be... Tim Waltz actually... dropping out of the race for Minnesota governor." [15:31]
• T.J. Holmes: "If any other president posted this, called a woman a pig to her face, if any other president did so much of this stuff, we would lose it. And this is just another Monday." [15:04]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:06—Episode Opening; Central theme of decency
• 01:21—Recap of the shooting and President Trump’s repost
• 02:20—Law enforcement's response, details on conspiracy letter
• 04:30—The Hortman children’s plea and statements
• 06:12—Risks of targeting with high-profile conspiracy claims
• 07:01—Robach details disturbing online responses
• 09:05—Hosts discuss the humanity and tone of the children’s statements
• 10:02—Statements of support from other victims, the Hoffmans
• 13:01—Track record of acknowledging or retracting posts
• 14:36—Governor Tim Waltz’s full public statement
• 15:31—Discussion of potential future political developments
• 16:29—Hosts predict continued online engagement and potential fallout

Conclusion

This episode serves as a rigorous, emotionally charged examination of the chasm between political maneuvering and human decency. Robach and Holmes elevate the voices of the bereaved, contextualize the dangers of viral conspiracies in the digital age, and challenge listeners to consider the repercussions of unchecked rhetoric—especially from the highest office in the land. The hosts conclude with a somber recognition of the normalization of political outrage, while remaining vigilant in tracking developments as they unfold.