Tim Walz Responds to Donald Trump Calling Him 'Serio...

By Daniel Orton and Robert BirselShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz hit back at Donald Trump after the president called him "seriously retarded" in a late night screed against immigration, calling for Trump to release the result of a recent medical scan.

Why It Matters

Trump's health has been in the spotlight in recent months after he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign vein condition common among older adults. The announcement followed visible swelling in his legs and bruises on his hands.

Trump, who is 79, confirmed to reporters last month en route to Japan that he received an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, while at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in October as part of what he said earlier this month was a “very standard" physical. He characterized the procedure as routine and, when asked by reporters which part of his body was scanned he said he had "no idea what they analyzed."

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What To Know

"Release the MRI results," Walz said, quote-posting on X a screenshot of Trump's lengthy Truth Social post in which he criticized immigration.

In his post, Trump said "hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota," and suggested Somali gangs were "roving the streets" while residents stayed locked in their homes.

He then took aim at Walz, the Democratic candidate for vice president in last year's election, describing him as “seriously retarded,” adding that he “does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both.”

Somalis make up roughly 1.1 percent of Minnesota's population, or around 61,300 people, according to the latest U.S. Census data. Crime rates in Minnesota are influenced by many factors, and there is no credible data showing Somali gangs are responsible for widespread violence.

Trump told reporters on November 14 that he had an MRI scan as part of his "standard" physical last month and that "the result was outstanding."

MRI scans are non-invasive imaging techniques used to examine a patient's organs, tissues, and skeletal system, typically to assess brain and spinal health.

The scans are often used to check for aneurysms of cerebral vessels, conditions of the eye and inner ear, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord conditions, stroke, tumors and brain injury from trauma. They can also be used to check heart health and other major organs.

It is not clear which part of the president's body the MRI was performed on, and Trump, when asked by reporters, said: "I have no idea what they analyzed, but whatever they analyzed, they analyzed it well, and they said that I had as good a result as they've ever seen."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump underwent "advanced imaging" at Walter Reed as part of his "routine physical" and "remains in exceptional physical health" after review by attending radiologists and consultants.

The October MRI was the second formal health evaluation Trump has undergone this year. In July, the White House disclosed he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in older adults.

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What People Are Saying

Trump said on November 14: “Getting an MRI is very standard. What, you think I shouldn't have it? Other people get it … I had an MRI. The doctor said it was the best result he has ever seen as a doctor.”

What Happens Next

The president’s health, given his age and status as the oldest person elected to the presidency, will remain a subject of public scrutiny as he continues his second term.

Update 11/28/2025 5:09 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to include more information.

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