Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed shock and joy that Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate.
“I can't believe it,” the Republican presidential nominee said during an interview on “Fox & Friends” in the morning. “I could not be more thrilled."
Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, tabbed Walz on Tuesday morning as her choice over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, elevating the Midwestern governor with rural roots and populist appeal. Walz has a record of moderate positions, breaking with the Democratic Party on issues like gun rights. But since he was elected governor in 2018, he has compiled a staunchly liberal record. He has overseen a wave of progressive legislation on labor rights, gun regulations, paid leave, school lunches, and LGBTQ rights in his state.
Trump and other Republicans have honed in on that liberal record in recent years, arguing he’s moved the Democratic ticket further to the left. And some conservative strategists have argued Walz’s selection could hurt Harris in the general election.
“I never thought this was gonna be the one that was picked,” Trump said. “He's a very, very liberal man, and he's a shocking pick.”