Walz criticizes Trump's response to Minnesota cyberattacks
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Gov. Tim Walz says President Donald Trump is to blame for failing to prevent a series of cyberattacks last week, and for failing to determine who was responsible.
At a press briefing Wednesday, Walz said he has not heard updates recently from federal investigators looking into the attacks. But he said he’s concerned about reports from several media outlets that officials suspect Iran is behind the attacks.
“This is the case of a war of choice by the president of the United States against Iran. That country struck into the heartland of America through cyberattacks that, had not been found by Minnesota and not stopped, could have immense consequences,” Walz said.
Federal investigators have not publicly confirmed any suspects.
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The attacks targeted several local water systems in Minnesota and in at least seven other states. State officials say there was no contamination or loss of service at any of the water systems, but parts of them went offline temporarily.
Last week, when asked whether Iran could be responsible for the attacks, President Trump blamed Walz.
"You know who's behind it? Minnesota, because they're grossly incompetent,” Trump said. “I think the governor's behind it. I don't think there was an Iranian cyberattack."
Trump did not give evidence for those claims.
On Wednesday, Walz criticized Trump’s response.
“Can you simply imagine George Bush lashing out at the mayor and the governor of New York on 9/11 when we were attacked outside?” Walz said. “That is exactly what happened Friday, and thank God it wasn't the extent of the injuries on this.”
“I don't hide my great anger about this… because Americans' lives and Americans' economy and America's security is being put at risk by the very individual who started this war and then refuses to help the states in defense of that,” Walz continued.
State and federal authorities are still investigating the attacks. Workers at the water systems say they are working around the issues and trying to step up cybersecurity on tight budgets.
