Angry protesters have reportedly defaced Governor Tim Walz’s mansion with graffiti that reads “Walz Failed.”
Where’s the lie?
At a glance:
- The phrase “Walz failed,” popular among Walz’s critics, was found on the roof of the Governor’s Mansion in St. Paul.
- Walz and his family are not currently living there, as the residence is undergoing renovations, and they have temporarily relocated to Eastcliff Mansion.
- The origin of the graffiti remains unknown, with no indication of how or when it was placed on the roof.
The graffiti, prominently visible on an HVAC system atop the Governor’s Mansion, targets Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is currently campaigning to become the next vice president of the United States. The phrase “Walz failed” has become a slogan frequently used by his political opponents, especially those dissatisfied with his management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the May 2020 riots.
The discovery comes at an awkward moment for Walz, who, alongside his vice presidential run, is trying to maintain a strong image amidst the criticisms. Despite the graffiti’s prominent placement, the Walz family has not been living in the Governor’s Mansion for over a year. In July 2023, the family moved to Eastcliff Mansion—owned by the University of Minnesota—due to ongoing renovations at the Governor’s Mansion. The initial lease for their temporary residence was supposed to end in September 2024, but the renovations have taken longer than expected.
The circumstances surrounding the graffiti remain unclear. No information has emerged about who placed the message or when it appeared. Given the high-profile nature of the building and its status as a political target, questions about security have also been raised.
As of now, officials have not commented on any investigation into the incident, nor has there been a response from Walz’s campaign team regarding the unexpected and public criticism during his vice presidential bid. The message adds a layer of tension to an already contentious campaign season, as Walz navigates both local and national scrutiny.