Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, now running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, faces criticism over a photo showing him at a bakery that closed during his COVID-19 lockdown orders.
According to Breitbart News, the image of Walz holding a donut outside Daube's Cakes and Bakery in Rochester, Minnesota, has sparked backlash on social media.
The bakery, which had been in business for over 30 years, closed its doors permanently in June 2020 amid the pandemic restrictions. This closure has now become a point of contention as Walz campaigns alongside Harris for the upcoming election.
Daube's Cakes and Bakery announced the closure of its south store on June 24, 2020, through a social media post.
The business stated that while they would no longer have a storefront, they would continue taking online orders for cakes and other products.
The closure affected multiple bakery locations. A MedCityBeat report from June 24, 2020, detailed that all three of Daube's locations in Rochester had shut down on March 22 due to COVID-19, with two locations announcing permanent closure in mid-April.
Daube's was not alone in its struggle. The report mentioned other local eateries, including Jenpachi Japanese Steak House and Tonic Juice Bar, that were forced to close due to the pandemic's economic impacts.
The photo of Walz at the closed bakery has reignited discussions about the impact of COVID-19 policies on small businesses. Reporter Greg Price shared the image on social media, pointing out the irony of the situation.
Trump War Room, a social media account, also commented on the photo, referring to Walz as "Tampon Tim" and highlighting the bakery's closure after 32 years of business due to his shutdown orders.
The controversy surrounding the photo is part of a larger debate about the effects of COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota. A former Minnesota bar owner reportedly faced over $300,000 in fines during the pandemic and described Walz as an "evil man" who damaged small businesses.
Additionally, a grandmother in Minnesota was jailed for defying lockdown orders. She has since warned that Walz "will take" Americans' "rights away," according to Breitbart News.
These incidents contribute to ongoing discussions about the balance between public health measures and economic impacts during the pandemic, particularly as they relate to small businesses and individual rights.
The photo of Governor Tim Walz at a bakery that closed due to his COVID-19 policies has reignited debate over the impact of pandemic restrictions on small businesses. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between public health measures and economic concerns. As the 2024 election approaches, such controversies may continue to shape political discourse and voter sentiment. The long-term effects of pandemic policies on businesses and communities remain a significant point of discussion in American politics.
