By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The funeral for slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, was attended by former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, with a eulogy delivered by Governor Tim Walz. Despite the attendance of prominent political figures, former President Donald Trump did not attend the service and did not issue a statement about the event. The suspected perpetrator, Vance Boelter, had a list of potential targets including the Hortmans, and was described as a supporter of Trump. While the funeral was taking place, Trump spent the morning golfing and made social media posts with divisive political rhetoric.
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Trump ignores the funeral service for the victims of a MAGA madman because, well, that’s what he does. It’s a pattern, a carefully crafted persona of indifference, and frankly, at this point, it’s almost expected. The consensus seems to be that it’s a combination of factors: the victims were not his supporters, the shooter was, and therefore, any gesture of empathy would be a betrayal of his own brand. The man doesn’t give a damn, plain and simple.
The reaction is a mix of disgust and, strangely, a kind of reluctant relief. Disgust because, as many point out, it’s a cold-hearted act, lacking any semblance of basic human decency. The image of the victims – the Hortmans and their dog – evokes a deep sense of loss, a tragedy that should unite everyone in grief. Yet, Trump’s absence speaks volumes. It’s a glaring omission, a deliberate choice to ignore the pain and suffering of others. The relief comes from the understanding that had he attended, the event would have been hijacked, transformed into another opportunity for self-aggrandizement. His mere presence would have been a stain on the day, a cheapening of the memory of the deceased.
The implication of this deliberate lack of action is even more chilling. It suggests tacit approval, a wink and a nod to the violence that stems from his rhetoric. The fear is that it encourages further acts of hatred, division, and violence. If someone who supports Trump is responsible for this horrific act, then that individual’s actions are okay in his mind. There’s a palpable sense of moral complicity, an understanding that this is not just a case of political indifference, but something far more sinister. This is the sentiment that Trump is, in a way, responsible for the hate.
It is also a commentary on the state of the country. The fact that a US president could be so blatantly uncaring is baffling to many. This is someone who allegedly needed crib notes just to demonstrate simple empathy after a school shooting, and who is running for election *after* his attempt to overthrow the government. It’s a situation that is becoming increasingly familiar, and the lack of surprise is perhaps the saddest aspect of all. The man is a malignant narcissist, as the saying goes, and that’s the end of the matter.
The idea is that this man is waiting for the perfect opportunity to use his political influence to ensure this individual is pardoned and able to continue his life. It is believed that in Trump’s world, only wealthy sycophants are worthy. His desire to be treated like Hitler or Kim Jong Un, someone who does not have to get his hands dirty, is a frightening idea.
The criticism is not just about his lack of empathy, but also about the hypocrisy and the grift. Golfing while others mourn, turning public appearances into personal financial ventures – it’s all part of the act. His actions are seen as the opposite of statesmanship. The consensus is that his silence is a form of tacit approval.
It is about the deep-seated hatred and division he cultivates. It’s about his failure to lead, to unite, to offer comfort in times of tragedy. Ultimately, the article is not about the victims, but about the person who refuses to acknowledge their suffering. That person is a disgrace.