Trump's derogatory remarks towards Tim Walz were met with approval from many on the right.

President Donald Trump recently posted a social media message about immigration in which he called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz seriously retarded. While some Republicans reacted negatively, such as Indiana State Senator Mike Bohacek, who expressed offense and opposition to redistricting, most GOP figures have remained largely silent.

When asked about the remark, House Speaker Mike Johnson said it was not language he would use and suggested Trumps comment was a spontaneous reaction to reports of election fraud. Senator Bill Cassidy also declined to comment, noting he had not heard the remark. Despite these responses, the broader Republican response has been muted.

Trump stood by his words when questioned, saying, Yeah. I think theres something wrong with him. Absolutely. Sure. The White House issued a press email with the headline, Yes, Theres Something Wrong with Walz and it Cost Taxpayers $1 Billion, avoiding repetition of the slur. Some suggest the timing of Trumps statement, over a holiday weekend, contributed to the limited backlash.

Supporters of Trump, such as MAGA commentator Jack Posobiec, have celebrated the remark, suggesting the term is making a comeback. Advocates for people with disabilities, however, have long worked to eliminate its use, noting that Trumps rhetoric gives his followers implicit approval to employ offensive language.

Trumps history of policies affecting people with disabilities includes controversial decisions such as appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a health position, attempts to cut special education staff during a government shutdown, and Medicaid reductions. These actions have tangible consequences beyond offensive language.

Efforts to change the culture around such slurs date back decades. The Special Olympics launched Spread the Word to End the Word, and legislative changes, including George W. Bushs renaming of a presidential committee and Barack Obamas signing of Rosas Law, replaced offensive terminology with more respectful language. Despite these efforts, the term has seen resurgence in public discourse, reinforced by media personalities and online platforms.

The revival of the word illustrates a broader cultural shift. Its use has increased on social media, with studies showing spikes in online posts following high-profile mentions. This resurgence is part of a wider trend in which offensive language targeting various groups is gaining permissibility in certain circles.

Trumps rhetoric, critics argue, normalizes discriminatory speech and signals a lack of trustworthiness in addressing the needs of people with disabilities. The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between societal progress in respectful language and political figures who flout those norms.

Author: Sophia Brooks