By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The funeral of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, victims of a politically motivated assassination, was attended by former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, but not the current president. While Trump issued a statement condemning the killings, he simultaneously displayed indifference and callousness by playing golf with Republican leaders and attacking Democrats on social media. Furthermore, Trump implied Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was somehow responsible, adding weight to misinformation and attempting to politicize the tragedy. Rather than offer a unifying response, Trump’s actions underscored his tendency to treat political violence with a partisan slant, in contrast to what a responsible leader would do.
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Trump’s absence from slain Minnesota lawmaker’s funeral goes beyond indifference. It really does. It’s easy to see it as simply a lack of empathy, a failure to connect with the grief of others. But when we look closer, we see it’s so much more. His absence isn’t just a personal failing; it’s a calculated strategy, a deliberate message sent to his base and, frankly, to the rest of us.
The core of the issue, as some have pointed out, is the potential for him to exploit the situation. A responsible leader would have used the tragedy to unite the nation, to condemn political violence unequivocally. Trump, however, has a history of treating violence differently depending on who’s perpetrating it and who’s on the receiving end. His actions during his presidency, including pardoning those involved in the January 6th insurrection, demonstrate a clear pattern of prioritizing his own political interests over the common good. This isn’t just about personal feelings; it’s about political calculation.
The comments paint a vivid picture of Trump’s motivations. The absence wasn’t just a matter of disinterest; it was a deliberate choice, a strategic move. He didn’t attend because it was likely he couldn’t restrain himself from expressing some sort of satisfaction at the tragedy. Some of the statements suggest his base would have expected him to celebrate the death of his political rivals. Given the nature of his rhetoric and the actions of his supporters, his presence would have been perceived as insincere at best and perhaps even as an endorsement of the violence. It’s not about decorum or respect; it’s about control and the continuation of a dangerous narrative.
The absence is viewed as an extension of his long-standing approach. It reflects a deep-seated narcissism, a complete lack of empathy, and a willingness to exploit any situation for his own personal gain. His decision to not attend is consistent with a pattern of behavior where his own self-interest trumps any sense of decency, respect, or duty.
The prevailing feeling seems to be that it was the correct decision to not show up. Some comments explicitly suggest that the family of the deceased likely preferred his absence. His presence would have been a distraction, a sideshow that would have inevitably turned the focus onto him. Instead of offering comfort or support, he would have likely made it all about himself, a prospect that many found unpalatable.
The underlying sentiment is that this is no surprise. This is simply who he is. Many comments express a clear lack of surprise at the absence, suggesting that it’s entirely consistent with his character. They see him as someone who lacks basic human kindness, who sees anyone who isn’t a Trump supporter as an enemy. His political views and actions during his time in office have made it clear where his loyalties lie.
His absence, therefore, is far from a simple oversight. It’s a reflection of his worldview, a continuation of his divisive rhetoric, and a calculated strategy to further his political goals. It’s a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of unchecked political polarization and the absence of basic human decency. The situation is made worse because his base is ready to commit political violence to further his goals. His actions and silence reflect a deliberate effort to create an environment of fear and division.