At what is typically a solemn yet celebratory occasion, Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota used his commencement speech at the University of Minnesota Law School on Saturday to deliver an urgent and scathing indictment of former President Donald Trump. Speaking to a packed auditorium of new law graduates, Walz declared that America is facing a “genuine emergency,” accusing Trump of systematically undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law.
“You are graduating into a genuine emergency,” Walz warned. “Every single day, the president of the United States finds new ways to trample rights and undermine the rule of law.” Loud applause from the audience punctuated his remarks, as the governor implored the graduating class to be vigilant defenders of democracy. Framing lawyers as society’s “first and last line of defense,” Walz called on them to confront abuse of power head-on.
Accusations of Tyranny and Lawlessness
In a speech that left no doubt about the direction of his political message, Walz referred to Trump as a “tyrant,” directly linking the former president’s policies to what he called “the crumbling of the rule of law in real time.” He highlighted several controversial actions by the Trump administration, including the deportation of suspected gang members to notorious prisons in El Salvador without due process and the acceptance of extravagant gifts from foreign governments such as a private jet from Qatar’s ruling family.
“This is exactly what the founders of this nation feared,” Walz declared. “A tyrant, abusing power to persecute scapegoats and enemies.” He warned that such behaviors are not only morally unacceptable but also constitutionally dangerous, calling on Americans—especially those entering the legal profession—to refuse complacency in the face of growing authoritarian tendencies.
Walz :Democratic Frustrations and 2028 Ambitions
Walz’s speech also touched on the growing divisions and frustrations within the Democratic Party following Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Many Democrats, including Walz, believe the party has not mounted a strong enough resistance to Trump’s return to power. With speculation already swirling about the 2028 Democratic primary, Walz is among several high-profile figures openly positioning themselves as future leaders.
Other prominent Democrats—such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg—have also stepped up their public profiles in recent months. Pritzker, in particular, has drawn attention for his stark warnings about Trump’s rhetoric echoing authoritarian regimes. Walz’s sharp tone at the commencement signals that the competition for the party’s next generation of leadership is already underway.
Calling Out Complicity in Legal Circles
Walz didn’t spare the legal community from his criticism, going so far as to call out “feckless” and “cowardly” big law firms for enabling Trump’s agenda. He claimed that many of these firms, out of fear or financial interest, had offered pro bono services or other benefits to Trump and his allies while ignoring their ethical obligations.
“It’s a flagrant betrayal of the oath they took as lawyers,” Walz said. He urged the newly minted lawyers in the room to steer clear of such firms and to act with integrity as they begin their careers. “Don’t lend your talent, your time, or your name to those who weaponize the law against democracy,” he insisted.
Defending the Political Nature of His Message
Acknowledging the unusual political intensity of his address, Walz anticipated criticism that such topics were inappropriate for a commencement. However, he defended the urgency of his remarks, arguing that ignoring the moment would amount to negligence.
“Some would say, ‘Boy, this is getting way too political for a commencement address.’ But I would argue: I wouldn’t be honoring my oath if I didn’t address this head on,” Walz said, receiving another round of applause. He dismissed advice from within his own party urging a focus on trade policy rather than the rule of law, reiterating that the foundation of democracy itself is what’s at stake.
As graduates filed out, the message was clear: in Walz’s eyes, the defense of American democracy is not a theoretical concept—it is a practical and urgent mission, and lawyers must lead the charge.
