CW: Slurs
On Thanksgiving Day, Donald Trump’s post on Truth Social included the slur “r*****d” to insult Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He also made exaggerated claims about Somali immigrants “taking over” the state, even though census data shows they make up only about 1.1% of the population. The post was inflammatory and typical of Trump’s long history of using derogatory language to rally his supporters.
Walz’s response, “Release the MRI results,” was a sharp comeback that shifted attention from Trump’s slur to ongoing questions about the president’s health and mental state. In doing this, Walz refused to dignify the insult and instead highlighted Trump’s own vulnerabilities, a move that resonated with many who are tired of ableist language in public discussions.
However, Walz’s response has its own issues. By mentioning Trump’s MRI results, Walz tapped into the ableist framing that uses disability or health as a political tool. While his intent was to redirect attention, the implication is that Trump’s medical condition—or the potential for impairment—could be grounds for mockery or disqualification. This means Walz’s comeback risks reinforcing the stigma that Trump’s slur perpetuated, rather than breaking the cycle. What might have been seen as a clever shift instead shows how deeply rooted ableist ideas are in public debates, where health often becomes a stand-in for credibility or strength.
This situation reflects a larger trend where disability is used as a weapon in everyday language. Disability-related terms are often used as insults without regard for the harm they cause. Recently, Gavin Newsom mocked Trump by sharing definitions of dementia and jokes from chatbots, trivializing a condition that impacts millions of families.
Common phrases like “blind to the truth,” “lame excuse,” or “crazy idea” reduce disability to a metaphor for weakness or incompetence. In pop culture, ableist stereotypes appear in films, music, and casual conversations. For instance, Beyoncé and Lizzo initially used the slur “spaz” in their lyrics but changed them after backlash. These examples highlight how deeply ingrained ableist language is in our culture, often going unnoticed until someone brings it to light.
The impact of this language is profound. Ableist language reinforces stigma, and makes life more difficult for disabled people. Disabled people already confront systemic barriers in employment, healthcare, education, and social inclusion. When disability becomes an insult, it dismisses the real experiences of millions and promotes the idea that disability equals weakness. Walz’s choice not to directly address Trump’s slur was notable, but his reply demonstrates how even well-meaning responses can still perpetuate ableism if they rely on health status as a tool. It shows how challenging it is to break away from established rhetorical habits, even for those leaders who might support inclusion.
This exchange highlights the pressing need to rethink how we talk about disability in everyday life. Disability should never be reduced to a joke or insult. Everyone including media personalities, entertainers, and politicians should prioritize accountability and compassion. Rejecting slurs and casual ableism, holding people accountable for weaponizing disability, and focusing on issues like healthcare access, employment equity, and community inclusion are important steps toward a more inclusive dialogue. This isn’t just about language—it’s about changing the values that shape our conversations.
Trump’s use of “r*****d” and Walz’s MRI comment may appear to be a brief exchange, but together they reflect a deeper cultural issue. Disability is not an insult. It is a real experience that deserves respect and compassion.
Walz’s response demonstrates how we can challenge inflammatory language, but it also shows how easy it is to fall into the trap of ableism, even when trying to resist it. The challenge lies not only in rejecting slurs but also in avoiding their more subtle forms. Creating change requires more than clever responses; it calls for a deliberate effort to dismantle ableist assumptions and create a conversation grounded in dignity and respect.
Sources:
Bettin, Anthony. “Trump Targets Gov. Walz with Slur, Attacks Rep. Omar and Minnesota’s Somali Community.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 28 Nov. 2025, http://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/donald-trump-tim-walz-slur-attacks-ilhan-omar-somali-community/.
Fasanella, Allie. “Gavin Newsom Trolls Donald Trump, Fuels Dementia Rumors.” OK! Magazine, American Media, 11 Nov. 2025, https://okmagazine.com/p/gavin-newsom-trolls-donald-trump-fuels-dementia-rumors/?utm_source=recirculation..