Trump Responds to Minneapolis Shooting Criticism, Vows to ‘De-escalate’
Facing a mounting political firestorm, President Donald Trump has signaled a shift in the federal response in Minneapolis, stating Tuesday that his administration will “de-escalate a little bit” following the fatal shootings of two civilians by immigration agents. The move represents a notable attempt at damage control after weeks of intense criticism over the tactics of his signature immigration crackdown.
The President’s announcement came as his top border security official, Tom Homan, met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Trump emphasized the meetings and characterized the change in approach not as a “pullback,” but as a calibrated reduction in intensity.
A Shift in Tone and Personnel
In a revealing aside, the President indirectly acknowledged that the aggressive posture of some officials may have inflamed the situation. He singled out Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, a figure known for his confrontational style, stating, “Bovino’s very good, but he’s a pretty out there kind of a guy. And in some cases, that’s good, maybe it wasn’t good here.” Bovino is now expected to leave Minneapolis.
Trump also distanced himself from the initial inflammatory characterization of the second victim, nurse Alex Pretti, rejecting the “assassin” label used by a top aide. “I want a very honorable and honest investigation,” he said, though he criticized Pretti for carrying a licensed firearm.
Sustained Pressure from All Sides
The pledge to de-escalate follows immense pressure. The fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and, weeks earlier, Renee Good—both U.S. citizens—have galvanized local and national opposition. Mayor Frey reiterated after meeting Homan that the city “will not enforce federal immigration laws,” and Governor Walz called for “impartial investigations” and a “significant reduction” in federal forces.
Criticism has reached the highest levels, with former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton condemning the violence and the administration’s response. In Washington, bipartisan concern is growing; Republican Senator Rand Paul called for agents involved to be placed on leave, and centrist Democratic Senator John Fetterman demanded the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
A Community and a Nation “Sickened”
On the ground in Minneapolis, the emotional toll is profound. “The whole community is just sickened by all this,” said one local retiree. “The aim of the government is to terrorize citizens, it’s really frightening.”
The political fallout now threatens to spill into broader governance, with Democrats hinting they may block upcoming spending bills in the Senate, potentially triggering a government shutdown.
President Trump’s promise to de-escalate marks a tactical retreat in the face of overwhelming backlash. However, it leaves core questions unanswered: Will a change in personnel and tone address the deep-seated grievances over the crackdown’s fundamental methods? And can “de-escalation” repair the shattered trust in a city that has become the national emblem of a bitterly divisive policy? The coming weeks will test whether this adjustment is a genuine recalibration or merely a pause in an ongoing confrontation.
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