Governor Tim Walz criticized President Trump for reposting a video featuring kindergarten students in hijabs, claiming the action targets young children over their clothing choices.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his disapproval of President Trump on Monday after the president shared a video on Truth Social that showcased kindergarten students wearing hijabs during a graduation ceremony at a St. Paul charter school. Walz accused Trump of attacking children based on their attire.
The controversy erupted when Trump posted a video from the 2026 kindergarten graduation at Gateway STEM Academy, a public charter school located in St. Paul. Initially, Trump did not add any commentary to the video. However, he later reshared a message from the conservative X account “End Wokeness,” which stated, “Public school in St. Paul, Minnesota. Every girl is in a hijab… in kindergarten.”
In response, Walz took to X to voice his concerns, stating, “The President of the United States is attacking a group of kindergarteners because of the clothes they wore to school.”
Gateway STEM Academy is overseen by a board of directors and Pillsbury United Communities. The graduation video depicted students in blue caps and gowns, with many of the girls wearing hijabs beneath their graduation caps.
Trump’s repost quickly drew criticism from civil rights advocates and commentators, who argued that highlighting images of children in religious attire could foster anti-Muslim sentiment. The president did not offer any further explanation for sharing the post.
This incident occurs amid ongoing national debates surrounding immigration, religious expression, and education. Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali American communities in the United States, making it a focal point for discussions on these issues.
Trump has a history of criticizing Minnesota’s Democratic leaders, including Walz and members of the state’s congressional delegation, on various topics ranging from immigration policies to allegations of fraud in public programs.
Walz, a Democratic governor and former vice presidential nominee, has frequently clashed with the Trump administration over immigration, education, and federal policies impacting Minnesota. As of now, neither the White House nor Gateway STEM Academy has issued additional statements regarding the recent exchange.
According to The American Bazaar, the incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding cultural and religious expression in American schools.