Tim Walz Tells Democrats to 'Bully the S***' Out of Donald Trump

 

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Calls for Democrats to Toughen Their Approach Against Trump and GOP Agenda

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is urging fellow Democrats to adopt a more aggressive stance against former President Donald Trump, calling for a shift in tone and strategy to advance progressive policies. Speaking candidly, Walz told colleagues that the party needs to "change the attitude" and "bully the s***" out of Trump to achieve long-standing Democratic goals.

The call to action comes as Democrats debate their path forward following the 2024 election, where Vice President Kamala Harris was defeated by Trump. Republicans not only retained control of the House but also gained a slim majority in the Senate, putting them in a strong position to push their agenda.

Party leaders such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have advocated for strategic patience, arguing that Republican proposals will prove unpopular and give Democrats an edge heading into the 2026 midterms. In contrast, progressive figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT), an independent, have pressed for a more confrontational and urgent approach.

Walz, who was Harris’ running mate in the 2024 election and a former public school teacher, delivered a fiery speech at Rep. Jim Clyburn’s annual Friday night fish fry in South Carolina. Addressing a crowd of Democratic officials and supporters, Walz condemned Trump’s second term as one marked by “corruption” and “cruelty,” referring to him as a "wannabe dictator."

"We need to change the attitude," Walz said. "Compete in every district. Fight for every school board seat."

At the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party’s convention the following day, Walz continued his message in a keynote address, urging Democrats to fight back more forcefully.

“Maybe it’s time to be a little meaner. Maybe it’s time to be a little fiercer,” he said to loud applause. “To my fellow teachers—when a kid bullies, you explain why it’s wrong. But when it’s an adult like Donald Trump, you bully the s*** out of him right back. You stand up and push back.”

Calling Trump “a weak, cruel man who punches down,” Walz stressed that Democrats must confront him head-on. “They don’t want to face someone willing to stand toe-to-toe and call them out.”

Walz labeled Trump “the existential threat we knew was coming,” and warned that the remaining years of his second term would be difficult. “We’ve got to push back against the bullies and the greed,” he said. “And dammit, we should be able to have some joy while doing it.”

Although Walz has not announced plans to run for president in 2028, speculation is growing as the Democratic Party remains without a clear frontrunner. Potential contenders include Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and others.

While Walz lacks the national profile of some likely candidates, he has remained active, particularly in Republican-leaning areas. He’s led the Democratic National Committee’s “People’s Town Halls” tour, appearing in swing districts across Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas.

“For the past few weeks, I’ve been showing up where Republicans won’t,” Walz recently wrote. At the South Carolina event, he emphasized the importance of listening to voices the GOP is ignoring.

Meanwhile, AtlasIntel, a polling firm praised by analyst Nate Silver for its accuracy, released new data showing Buttigieg as the current frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic nomination. Walz did not appear in the results—likely because he was not included in the polling options.

Despite this, Walz continues to build goodwill at home and beyond. On January 1, he posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Happy New Year, Minnesota! More grateful than ever to have the privilege of serving this great state. Looking forward to the work ahead in making Minnesota the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

In Nevada, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez addressed Democratic frustration with party leadership at a March rally: “This isn’t just about Republicans. We need a Democratic Party that fights harder for us. That means we must elect leaders who truly represent the working class.”

One attendee, Mary Ann Bennett, who joined Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez at a Denver rally, told Newsweek, “The Democratic Party hasn’t taken bold enough action for working people. Bernie and AOC acknowledged that and laid out a real plan. That’s when I felt empowered—like we’re ready to fight back.”

Vice President Harris, while visiting communities impacted by wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year, emphasized her continued engagement regardless of political title. “I’ll always be here,” she said. “It’s about supporting local leaders and showing up for your community.”

While most candidates are expected to wait until after the 2026 midterms to formally announce 2028 campaigns, speculation is already ramping up—setting the stage for a competitive and potentially transformative Democratic primary.