Administration officials are adjusting their messaging and approach following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, with President Donald Trump striking a more measured tone amid growing bipartisan criticism over the incident and the federal response.
In the immediate aftermath of Pretti’s death on Saturday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized his actions as “domestic terrorism,” accusing him of brandishing a firearm at Customs and Border Protection agents before he was killed. Noem has continued to stand by that assessment. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller echoed the accusation, calling Pretti a “would-be assassin” in a post on X.
Democrats reacted angrily to the language, noting similarities to the administration’s earlier response after Renee Good was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier this month. In that case, the White House defended the officer’s actions and accused Good of attempting to run agents over, even as eyewitness video appeared to show her trying to steer away.
As video of the Pretti shooting spread, showing that he did not appear to draw his firearm and was disarmed before being shot, the administration began to soften its stance. The most notable shift came from Trump himself, who spoke by phone Monday with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a frequent target of the president’s criticism on immigration and a separate social services fraud scandal.
Trump described the call as productive, saying the two leaders were “on a similar wavelength.” In a Truth Social post, Trump said Walz requested cooperation on Minnesota matters and that the conversation was “very good.”
Walz confirmed the call, saying Trump agreed to consider reducing the number of federal agents operating in the state and to allow the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct an independent investigation. State officials had complained that the Department of Homeland Security shut them out of the probe, echoing frustrations after the Good shooting.
Alongside the softer rhetoric, the administration signaled personnel changes aimed at easing tensions. Trump announced Monday that border czar Tom Homan would be sent to Minnesota to oversee operations. While Homan is known as a tough enforcer, he has taken a more cautious tone since the shootings, declining immediate judgment and calling for a full review of the evidence.
Reports also indicate that some Border Patrol agents, including Commander Gregory Bovino, who publicly defended the agents’ actions, are expected to leave Minnesota.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt further distanced Trump from the harsh language used by Noem and Miller. Asked about those comments, Leavitt said she had not heard the president describe Pretti as attempting to harm law enforcement and emphasized that Trump wants the facts to guide the investigation.
The shift has come amid pressure from both parties. Sen. Rand Paul called for leaders of ICE, CBP, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to testify before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, citing the massive funding directed toward immigration enforcement. Sen. John Curtis said Noem’s comments were “premature” and damaged public trust, pledging to pursue bipartisan oversight.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added to the recalibration Monday, saying Pretti’s actions did not meet the legal definition of domestic terrorism and cautioning against prejudging the case.
Trump reportedly met with Noem for two hours Monday evening, along with top aides, including Corey Lewandowski, Susie Wiles, Leavitt, and Steven Cheung. Sources told The New York Times that Trump did not indicate Noem’s job was in jeopardy. Leavitt said earlier that the president still has confidence in Noem, even as Democrats escalate calls for her resignation or impeachment.
Local leaders say changes are already underway. Minneapolis City Council member LaTrisha Vetaw said Mayor Jacob Frey told her agents could begin leaving as early as Tuesday following conversations with Trump and Homan, adding that city officials are feeling optimistic.
Beyond Minnesota, questions remain about how the administration will conduct deportation operations nationwide. Those questions are likely to loom large as Congress heads toward a looming government funding deadline later this week.
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