Podcast Summary: MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Governor Walz on Minnesota Standing up to Trump’s Attacks

Date: January 28, 2026
Guests: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (hosts), Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota
Main Theme:
The episode focuses on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s response to the Trump administration’s recent actions involving ICE and Border Patrol operations in Minnesota—including the murder of Alex Pretty—and how the state is standing up to what Walz characterizes as unconstitutional federal overreach, political retaliation, and a moral crisis. The discussion spotlights the distortion of truth by the Trump administration and the resilience of Minnesotans in the face of these actions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Comments and Federal Actions in Minnesota (00:00—01:45)

• The episode opens with audio clips of Donald Trump praising Kristi Noem and defaming the family of Alex Pretty, an American hero murdered by Border Patrol.
• Trump says, “I love Alex Pretty’s family. I love everybody,” despite having previously smeared them.
  • Ben (host): “What are you talking about? You have utterly defamed Alex Pretty, an American hero...” (01:10)

2. Governor Walz Responds: Federal Overreach and Political Retaliation (01:45—07:55)

• Governor Walz joins the conversation, expressing skepticism about the intentions behind the White House’s recent outreach following the violence in Minnesota.
• Walz: “I feel skeptically optimistic... Tom Holman landed last night and he was in my office this morning...” (02:55)
• Walz suggests federal moves are more motivated by falling poll numbers than genuine moral outrage.
• He highlights that Border Patrol leadership (Greg Bravino, Kristi Noem) acted recklessly, resulting in deaths and no increase in safety.
• Ben and Walz discuss the spread of “post-truth” politics:
  • Ben (host): “This White House ... puts out so much disinformation and they put out things that have no attachment with reality.” (04:38)
  • Walz: “This post-truth society, you've seen it...” (05:23)
• Walz paints a vivid picture of the traumatic climate in Minnesota, citing images of abandoned cars, people dragged away, and a sense of horror.
  • “It's every day... children seeing their parents pulled away ... abandoned cars with their flashers on...where they just drag somebody out.” (05:52)

3. Minnesotans’ Resistance and Moral Framing (06:17—08:41)

• Walz credits peaceful, organized resistance in Minnesota for forcing the federal government to reconsider its tactics.
• Thousands protested in negative 40-degree wind chill, illustrating local determination and likely electoral consequences for the White House.
  • “You saw tens of thousands of people on the streets Friday here in Minnesota, and it was 40 below wind chill. You can be pretty certain every one of those is going to be in a warm voting booth come November.” (07:18)
• Both hosts and the governor agree: This is not a partisan issue, but a battle between good and evil, decency versus vindictiveness.
• Minnesota’s “nice people” reputation is invoked as a reason for Trump’s targeting.

4. Minnesota’s Model of Progressive Policy and Why It’s Targeted (08:41—09:42)

• Walz cites high rankings for quality of life, health, insurance, longevity, and progressive, inclusive policies as central to Minnesota’s identity—and as reasons for federal resentment.
  • “We have paid family and medical leave ... the most progressive taxation system... the lowest childhood poverty rates ... some of the highest education rates ... longevity.” (08:55)
  • “I don't want to be Arkansas. I want to be Minnesota.” (09:32)

5. Federal and State Tensions: Leadership and Accountability (09:42—12:13)

• Discussion of the removal (or demotion) of Border Patrol Director Greg Bravino amid mixed reports on his status.
• Walz points out the federal government’s current assault on Minnesota is unprecedented—comparing it to but distinguishing it from civil rights-era federal interventions:
  • “This is an assault by the federal government on a state. I don't think ever seen with this type of vindictiveness ... We're honoring the rights here and the federal government's trying to take them away.” (10:52)
• Rather than safety, Walz emphasizes the actions are motivated by Trump’s refusal to accept election results and attempts to undermine voting.

6. Republican Hypocrisy: Constitutional Principles and Second Amendment (12:13—14:25)

• Walz challenges Republicans’ inconsistency regarding the Constitution:
  • Many claim to support the 10th Amendment, free speech, and gun rights but support (or are silent on) blatant overreach and violence.
  • “They've made peace with their hypocrisy long ago. It's almost not worth pointing out. But I will say it's maddening...” (12:36, quoting Garrison Keillor)
• Waves of new conservative dissent (“Second Amendment folks”) are voiced due to these contradictions, with Walz calling out the absence of “Don’t Tread on Me” defenders.
  • “I've been asking for months, where are the don't tread on me people? Because they are treading on you every day.” (13:23)

7. Personal and Political Betrayal: Kristi Noem and the MAGA Movement (14:25—16:37)

• Kristi Noem, a former close colleague and “friendly” House member, now attacks Walz and Alex Pretty publicly.
• Walz notes his own stances have not changed—he’s always been a centrist, pro-choice, pro-marriage equality—and is baffled by Noem’s transformation.
  • “I knew her children. I knew her husband... This would be somebody that was a colleague and friendly with. And now this. I don't understand ... how you got so angry and flipped and switched things off.” (15:01)
  • Suggests Noem should leave public life: “She probably should go back to South Dakota, not have any dogs, and just ride things out.” (16:34)

8. Alex Pretty’s Legacy and Community Grief (16:37—19:08)

• Discussion turns to honoring Alex Pretty’s life—a kind-hearted ICU nurse—and supporting his grieving parents.
• Walz describes how Pretty’s colleagues and the community have rallied, focusing coverage on his humanity and heroism.
  • “These are some of the toughest people you'll find. ICU nurses at one of the nation's largest VA hospitals...” (17:10)
• Outrage at Republican leaders (Noem, J.D. Vance, Stephen Miller) labeling Pretty a “domestic terrorist,” even as he died defending others.
• Calls for independent investigations and justice—possible prosecution of ICE agents involved.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Governor Walz, on Federal Motivations:
  “I want it to end because of the moral outrage and the unconstitutional nature of what's happening here. I think they want it to end because it's bad politics.” (03:45)

• On Misinformation:
  “This post-truth society, you've seen it ... do people across America really realize what's happening here?” (05:23)

• On Resistance:
  “Organized, peaceful, massive resistance in Minnesota forced these guys ... impervious to court orders, impervious to whatever. They're not impervious to those folks on the streets.” (07:06)

• On Minnesota Values:
  “We have the lowest childhood poverty rates. We have some of the highest education rates, we have some of the highest insured rates. We have the highest longevity. And I think that they quite honestly don't like that. I don't want to be Arkansas. I want to be Minnesota.” (08:55)

• On Kristi Noem’s Transformation:
  “This would be somebody that was a colleague and friendly with. And now this. I don't understand ... how you got so angry and flipped and switched things off.” (15:10)

• On Alex Pretty’s Character:
  “He had a deep, unmovable sense of morality and civil rights...that move to step in front and protect that woman cost him his life.” (17:50)

Timestamp Highlights

• 00:00–01:45: Trump’s latest public statements, launching the conversation.
• 01:45–04:38: Governor Walz’s initial reaction, White House motives, and concerns about public safety.
• 04:38–07:55: Disinformation, trauma in Minnesota, and resistance.
• 07:55–08:41: Moral versus political framing.
• 08:41–09:42: Minnesota’s values and why it’s targeted.
• 09:42–12:13: Federal-state tensions, the status of key officials.
• 12:13–14:25: Republican hypocrisy and constitutional principles.
• 14:25–16:37: Personal history with Kristi Noem; the effects of MAGA politics.
• 16:37–19:08: Honoring Alex Pretty; calls for investigation and accountability.

Conclusion

The episode delivers a poignant and urgent account of Minnesota’s response to escalating federal crackdowns under former President Trump. Governor Walz speaks with passion and clarity, exposing the political motivations behind these actions, highlighting the human cost through stories like that of Alex Pretty, and underscoring the resilience of Minnesotans determined to defend their rights and democracy. The conversation moves seamlessly from policy and politics to deeply personal stakes, offering listeners a clear-eyed view of both the perils of misinformation and the enduring power of organized, peaceful resistance.