A Republican senator, who has a daughter with Down syndrome, has spoken out following Donald Trump’s use of a derogatory term often directed at individuals with disabilities.
The president faced significant backlash over the Thanksgiving weekend. He accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 election, of permitting Somali refugees to ‘take over’.
Trump stated: “Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for ‘prey’ as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone.”
He described Walz with a term considered offensive, which has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.
In an effort to maximize success in the upcoming midterm elections, Trump and his Congressional allies have been working to influence the congressional lines in states governed by Republicans.
The White House is aiming to secure Republican support to gain more seats in 2026. However, Republican state legislator Michael Bohacek has refused to support these plans.
Bohacek pointed to Trump’s offensive comments about Walz as his reason for opposing redistricting.
In his statement, Bohacek expressed: “Many of you have asked my position on redistricting. I have been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since the birth of my second daughter.
“Those of you that don’t know me or my family might not know that my daughter has Down Syndrome. This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences.
“I will be voting NO on redistricting, perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority.”
After posting the comment, the president faced widespread criticism on social media platforms beyond Truth Social.
One commenter did not hold back, saying: “Imagine how miserable you must be to spend Thanksgiving writing something like that.
“He’s a narcissistically-wounded child lashing out until his rage sticks. The ‘leading cause of social dysfunction…’ is not refugees. It’s broligarch-billionaires w/ no more empathy than Trump.”
Governor Walz responded to Trump’s remarks on Meet the Press on Sunday, describing them as an example of the president’s ‘cruelness’.
“But I think we all know, both as an educator for a couple of decades and as a parent, using that term is just so damaging,” Walz told Kristen Welker.
The White House has been contacted for a response.