There’s a moment in every overly choreographed political stunt when the mask slips — not metaphorically, in this case, but quite literally — and what’s revealed underneath is desperation dressed up as leadership. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz provided just such a moment on Wednesday when he proudly posted a photo of himself receiving yet another COVID-19 shot, seemingly unaware of how deeply out of touch the display has become with the public he claims to represent.
The optics? Cringe.
The message? Confused at best, disingenuous at worst.
The timing? Convenient, now that new federal guidelines are limiting access to the jab based on age and vulnerability — a move that suggests even public health officials are acknowledging what many Americans have known for some time: the mass-vaccination era of COVID is over.
Can’t believe I have to say this, but in Minnesota you will continue to have the freedom to get your COVID and flu shots. pic.twitter.com/LTazKnpjxc
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) October 8, 2025
Walz’s performance, however, suggests otherwise. With sleeves rolled up and camera rolling, he tried to project strength and responsibility. Instead, he reminded millions of Americans of the mandates, firings, coercion, and double standards that defined much of the pandemic response. While law-abiding citizens were told they’d lose their jobs without the jab, others were allowed — even encouraged — to flood the streets for “approved” political causes. The hypocrisy didn’t go unnoticed then. It’s certainly not forgotten now.
Online reactions to Walz’s post were swift and biting, with many pointing out that just one in five Americans was getting the latest booster before the new rules dropped on October 6. In other words, the public — regardless of political affiliation — has moved on. The fear machine isn’t working like it used to. People remember. And they’ve recalibrated their risk tolerance, particularly when the government’s trust capital has been squandered time and time again.
I can’t believe I have to say this, but there was a time not so long ago that I didn’t have the freedom to choose not to get the covid shot.
— Cher Croman (@CromanCher) October 9, 2025
And now, under the new guidelines, if you’re healthy and under a certain age, you might not even be eligible for the shot without consulting a physician. That’s a sharp turn from the days when entire cities demanded proof of vaccination to enter a restaurant, a concert, or a place of worship. Back then, refusal wasn’t just frowned upon — it was punished.
Walz, of course, was right there with the rest of the blue-state governors when it came to pandemic overreach. He imposed curfews, lockdowns, and restrictions with religious fervor. But when violent unrest swept through cities in the name of social justice, suddenly the rules didn’t apply. The virus apparently took a break for protests. Small business owners? Churchgoers? Schoolchildren? They were the ones who bore the brunt.
Can’t believe I have to say this, but remember when you went absolute fascist and had the National Guard terrorize and shoot Minnesota residents with paintball guns to take away their constitutional freedoms during your covid curfew??
REMEMBER THAT?? pic.twitter.com/rh8jQXwMyK
— StarlessSky (@gigglinghowl) October 8, 2025
And while Walz sends the National Guard to manage peaceful protestors or enforce pandemic restrictions on residents, you won’t see the same enthusiasm for deploying resources to address the flood of illegal immigration or the spike in violent crime. There’s always enough time and taxpayer money for a photo op — not for actual accountability.
