Former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura criticized President Donald Trump over his military record and suggested he might consider another run for governor as immigration enforcement activity increased in Minneapolis. Getty Images
Jesse Ventura delivered strong criticism of Donald Trump during a visit to his former high school this week. Speaking at Roosevelt High School, Ventura called the president “a draft-dodging coward” and questioned Trump’s record of public service.
Ventura, a Vietnam veteran and former Navy SEAL, contrasted his own military service with Trump’s medical exemption from the Vietnam War draft. Trump avoided service after doctors diagnosed him with bone spurs.
“He’s the draft-dodging coward who, when it was his time to serve his country, he did what all rich white boys did. I wasn’t a rich white boy...We had to go...He’s gonna tell me what courage is?” Ventura said.
Tensions Rise in Minneapolis
Ventura spoke amid heightened tension in Minneapolis following a wave of immigration enforcement actions. Federal authorities described the operation as the largest of its kind in the city.
On Wednesday, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, died after an encounter with an immigration officer. Federal officials described the shooting as self-defense. That same day, video circulated showing a federal agent using a chemical spray on a crowd near Roosevelt High School.
Federal Response and Local Reaction
The Department of Homeland Security said Border Patrol agents pursued a U.S. citizen who they claimed tried to interfere with operations by driving into a school zone. The agency said a crowd formed after a person who identified as a teacher assaulted an agent during the arrest.
“Despite repeated warnings to cease, the crowd continued with their hostilities and assaults. Officers used targeted crowd control for the safety of law enforcement and the public. No tear gas was deployed,” the agency said.
Ventura visited the school to show support for students and staff. He praised the community for standing up for civil rights.
“As a graduate of Roosevelt High School and as the former governor of Minnesota, I’m so proud of Roosevelt High School and how they stood up for what is supposed to be America and freedom. And freedom is not arresting people without warrants,” Ventura said. “We have a system here — it’s called a Constitution, and we have a party, the Republicans, who don’t seem to want to abide by the Constitution.”
A Possible Return to Politics
Ventura served as Minnesota’s governor from 1999 to 2003 and chose not to seek re-election. He later built a public profile through media appearances and his earlier career as a professional wrestler.
Now, he suggests a return to public office. Minnesota’s next governor’s race takes place in November, and the current governor has announced plans to step aside.
“You know what? Maybe it’s time for Jesse. I only did one term. I’m owed a second,” Ventura said.
Ventura won office in 1998 as a Reform Party candidate. He has criticized both major parties over the years while supporting individual candidates when he believed they aligned with his views.
Response to Recent Violence
Addressing the death of Good, Ventura expressed sorrow and frustration.
“Anytime you have the loss of life that needlessly happens, that’s a tragedy. And what occurred yesterday did not have to happen,” he said.
