Walz Speaks Out: Democrats Weren't 'Bold Enough' on DEI and Immigration

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is not holding back when it comes to critiquing his own party. In a town hall event in Rosenberg, Texas, Walz said the Democratic Party is in its current predicament because it wasn’t "bold enough" to stand by policies promoting diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and immigration.

Speaking alongside former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, Walz addressed a crowd with his signature candor, lamenting the lack of diversity in a contentious Signal text chain. "I'm just going to note this s--- show of a [Signal] text chain that was going on could have used a little diversity, equity, inclusion in the people who were there," Walz remarked.

Walz doubled down on the idea that Democrats need to embrace their values unapologetically, stating, "We got ourselves in this mess because we weren't bold enough to stand up and say ‘you damn right we're proud of these policies. We're going to put them in, and we're going to execute them.’" He stressed that diversity isn't just a moral imperative but an economic one, calling it a cornerstone of America's strength.

The governor also expressed frustration over Republicans defining key issues like immigration, DEI, and even the much-debated term "woke." Walz warned Democrats against backing down in the face of GOP attacks, urging his party to stay organized and persistent.

Highlighting the benefits of DEI policies, Walz pointed out their impact on veterans’ hiring practices within the federal government, emphasizing that these efforts must extend beyond their current scope.

In a moment of stark realism, Walz painted a picture of Minnesota’s demographic future. "The rest of it is, as we all know, in Minnesota, pretty white, pretty cold… 70% of our workforce over the next 20 years is going to come from communities of color," he explained. "Our very existence depends on diversity, equity and inclusion."

Of course, Walz’s remarks didn’t escape criticism from former President Donald Trump, who recently blamed Walz for the Democrats’ loss in the 2024 election. Trump called Walz a "loser" while accusing him of dragging down the party’s chances. In true Trump fashion, he added, "I would probably put him at the bottom of the group."

Walz’s sharp rhetoric and Trump’s equally sharp retorts underscore the ongoing battle between the two political camps as both sides gear up for another round of high-stakes elections. For Democrats, the question remains: will they heed Walz’s advice and lean into their values, or will they continue to play defense?