“Jesse Ventura Slams Trump as ‘Draft-Dodging Coward’ Amid ICE Controversy in Minneapolis”

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura Calls President Trump ‘Draft-Dodging Coward’ Amid ICE Controversy in Minneapolis

On January 8, 2026, Jesse Ventura, the former Independent Governor of Minnesota (1999–2003), Vietnam War veteran, and WWE Hall of Famer, sharply criticized President Donald Trump during an interview with local Fox 9 affiliate outside his alma mater, Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis.

Ventura’s remarks came in response to a fatal shooting the previous day (January 7), where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during ongoing large-scale deportation raids in the city. Ventura expressed outrage over federal immigration enforcement actions, describing them as undermining constitutional rights and turning the U.S. into a “third-world country” where military-style forces handle domestic policing.

When asked about Trump, Ventura refused to use his name and instead referred to him repeatedly as “the draft-dodging coward.” He stated:

“Who is that? You mean the draft dodging coward? I don’t call him by name. He’s the draft dodging coward who, when it was his time to serve his country, he did what all rich white boys did. I wasn’t a rich white boy. We had to go. … He’s gonna tell me what courage is?”

Ventura contrasted his own service — including 17 months in Southeast Asia as part of a Navy SEAL unit — with Trump’s receipt of multiple draft deferments during the Vietnam War era, including a final medical exemption for bone spurs.

The former governor also voiced broader frustration with the current administration, claiming it has “destroyed the Constitution” (citing events like January 6) and praising Roosevelt High School for resisting ICE presence on campus. He hinted at a potential political comeback, saying, “Maybe it’s time for Jesse. I only did one term. I’m owed a second,” following Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement that he would not seek reelection.

Ventura’s comments quickly spread on social media and were covered by outlets including The Daily Beast, People, USA Today, The Independent, and The Hill. They reflect long-standing tensions over Trump’s military record, which has been a point of debate for years, though this instance ties directly to the Minneapolis ICE incident.

No immediate response from the White House was reported in initial coverage. The events highlight ongoing divisions over immigration enforcement and historical criticisms of Trump’s avoidance of Vietnam-era service. events highlight