Trump Holds 2-Hour Meeting with Noem Following Minneapolis Shooting Backlash
In a notable Oval Office meeting, President Trump engaged in discussions with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and her aide Corey Lewandowski. The nearly two-hour meeting was held to address the growing backlash following the recent shooting incident in Minneapolis.
Meeting Context and Key Participants
The meeting took place on a Monday evening after Kristi Noem sought an audience with the president. Those familiar with the meeting shared that there were no indications that either Noem or Lewandowski were facing job jeopardy.
Bipartisan Criticism of Administration’s Actions
The urgency of the meeting stems from bipartisan concerns regarding the administration’s handling of the death of Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot multiple times by federal agents while apparently filming them, raising significant criticism of the law enforcement practices in Minneapolis.
- Victim: Alex Pretti
- Incident: Shot by immigration agents while filming
- Number of Shots Fired: Approximately 10
Administration’s Response Strategy
During the meeting, Trump and his aides discussed strategies to mitigate the backlash. Notable attendees included Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff; Karoline Leavitt, Press Secretary; and Steven Cheung, Communications Director. However, Stephen Miller, who is known for his role in shaping the administration’s immigration policy, did not participate.
Changes in Immigration Oversight
On the same day, President Trump announced that Tom Homan, the border czar, would be deployed to oversee operations in Minneapolis. This decision signals a shift toward more targeted immigration enforcement rather than aggressive raids.
Personnel Adjustments
Additionally, Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol official criticized for his tactics, is reportedly being reassigned from the city. These moves are part of the administration’s efforts to recalibrate its immigration approach amid ongoing public scrutiny.
The administration continues to navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement while attempting to address concerns raised by recent events in Minneapolis. As the situation develops, further adjustments may be necessary to restore public confidence.
