Hope Walz, the 24-year-old daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, recently shared a bold opinion on TikTok that’s sparking plenty of conversation. In a video posted on Monday, Hope took aim at those who dream of becoming president, calling it a “red flag” for anyone who seriously wants the job. She even went so far as to say, “The only people that should want to be president are kids in preschool or elementary school.”
Now, before you start thinking Hope has something against leadership, hear her out. She wasn’t criticizing people who are passionate about improving the country; rather, she was pointing out that wanting to be president for the sake of the title itself is a bit off. She says, “If you legitimately want to be president or, like, vice president or any of that, no, something’s wrong with you.”
Why Does This Matter?
Hope isn’t just Tim Walz’s daughter—she’s become quite the TikTok sensation, gaining a massive following of 253,800 fans and earning 2.4 million likes on her videos. While Tim Walz made headlines running for vice president with Kamala Harris in 2020, Hope’s got her own spotlight. She has used her platform to share thoughts on politics, personal experiences, and even navigating the ups and downs of a second Trump term.
As the oldest child of Governor Tim Walz, Hope has been involved in her dad’s campaigns, even going viral during the early days of his candidacy with a heartwarming video of the father-daughter duo at the Minnesota State Fair. But in her latest video, she’s making a very clear point about the importance of being motivated by a desire to serve, not by ambition for power.
What’s the Big Idea?
Hope started her TikTok by responding to some negative comments she received after her dad’s November election loss. Initially confused, Hope soon found the humor in the situation, joking, “I’m so glad I’m not Donald Trump and JD Vance and I don’t have to live in their skin.”
But here’s the message she wants everyone to hear: If you truly want to make a difference, you should run for office. However, she believes that aspiring to be president just for the title? That’s not the right kind of ambition. It’s about making people’s lives better, not just gaining power for the sake of it.
What Are People Saying?
Hope’s video resonated with many, including TikTok user @thecryptowife, who wrote, “Not having Tim Walz in the White House is absolutely the biggest loss to American society ever.”
Hope’s candid and open approach has drawn admiration, with Olive Martin from Teen Vogue writing about how Hope’s authenticity stands out in today’s political climate. In a world that often pushes people to “power through,” Hope offers something refreshingly different: a chance to feel, process, and then get back to work when the time is right.
What’s Next?
As Hope shares her thoughts on TikTok and beyond, we can expect her to continue challenging the norms and offering a fresh perspective on what it really means to be a leader. And while she’s not running for president anytime soon, she’s certainly making her mark on the political conversation. Stay tuned for what she’ll say next!