Tim Walz says he won't "compromise with authoritarianism" - NPR

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says there’s a lot of skepticism in his state that the Trump administration will keep its word and draw down the presence of federal agents there. Two people have been shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks.

Gov. Walz sat down with NPR’s All Things Considered host Juana Summers for an interview at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.

In their chat, he said the Trump administration was “trying to twist reality” about what is happening with peaceful protesters in Minnesota.

Walz also vowed not to “compromise with authoritarianism.” And he said the “final line of defense” for democracy “is the people.”

NOTE: This interview was recorded on Friday January 30, 2026.