Feb 4, 2026, 10:43 p.mFeb 4, 2026, 10:43 p.m
Has indicated a softer course: US President Donald Trump (archive photo).Image: keystone
After the deaths of two US citizens in Minneapolis, US President Donald Trump indicated a course correction. In an interview with NBC News, Trump said that after discussions with local leaders, he had learned that a different tone might be necessary in the tense situation: “I’ve learned that maybe we can be a little gentler,” said Trump. The decision to withdraw 700 border guards from Minneapolis was based on his request.
The withdrawal of the officers had previously been announced by Trump’s Border Patrol Commissioner Tom Homan. It is seen as a response to violent protests following fatal shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis. Two US citizens were killed.
Trump emphasized that we had to continue to be tough. We are still dealing with serious criminals and are now waiting for the city to hand them over to the federal authorities. The withdrawal of 700 officers is part of an adjustment to the approach following discussions with the state’s governor, Tim Walz, and the city’s mayor, Jacob Frey. He had “great conversations” with the two Democrats. At the same time, however, Trump complained that the two were “literally raging and ranting in public as if there had been no call.” (sda/dpa)