Donald Trump has delivered a one-word verdict on his administration's deployment of federal forces to Minnesota, praising Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as "phenomenal" despite a major impending change in the state's leadership.
Chaos in Minnesota Following Federal Operation
Federal officials have plunged Minnesota and its largest city, Minneapolis, into chaos in recent weeks during a massive New Year's operation targeting immigrants. This controversial initiative has resulted in the tragic deaths of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both aged 37.
Both individuals were gunned down by immigration enforcement agents despite seemingly posing no immediate threat, sparking massive local protests and escalating the conflict to a fever pitch across the state.
Administrative Shake-Up Amid Statewide Outcry
Trump's administration is poised to make a significant change following the statewide outcry, preparing to remove Gregory Bovino, a senior border force official viewed as an agitating presence in Minnesota. He will be replaced by border czar Tom Homan.
However, the President's recent statement to the Wall Street Journal is likely to enrage those opposing his controversial federal deployment, as he celebrated ICE agents and declared their efforts successful.
Trump's Controversial Statements on the Killings
In his statement, Trump said: "At some point we will leave. We've done, they've done a phenomenal job." He stopped short of further attacks on Alex Pretti's character, stating he doesn't "like any shooting" while still suggesting the nurse bore responsibility for his own death.
Trump elaborated: "We're looking, we're reviewing everything and will come out with a determination. I don't like any shooting. I don't like it. But I don't like it when somebody goes into a protest and he's got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines loaded up with bullets also. That doesn't play good either."
Attempts to Lower Political Temperature
The slightly less heated statement comes as the administration attempts to lower the political temperature, which has been significantly stoked by comments from far-right adviser Stephen Miller. Miller had previously characterized Mr Pretti as a "domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate law enforcement."
Both the President's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, and his deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche, have suggested the administration does not officially view the Veterans Affairs worker as a terrorist.
Blanche told Fox News: "I don't think anybody thinks that they were comparing what happened on Saturday to the legal definition of domestic terrorism." Leavitt added: "I have not heard the president characterize Mr Pretti in that way. However, I have heard the president say he wants to let the facts and the investigation lead itself."
Remembering the Victims and Changing Narratives
Alex Pretti has been remembered by his family as a "kindhearted" man, with relatives calling out what they describe as "sickening lies" peddled by the Trump administration following his death.
This marks the second time the President has changed his tune regarding killings in Minnesota. He previously shifted his opinion on Renee Good's death after learning her father was a supporter of his, stating last week: "You know, when the woman was shot, I felt terribly about it."
The administration's response continues to evolve as investigations proceed and political pressures mount regarding the controversial deployment of federal forces in Minnesota.
