Kamala Harris' VP pick Tim Walz has joked that Trump will attack his progressive policies, like giving Minnesota kids free school lunch and tuition-free college: 'What a monster!'

Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice presidential running mate. Walz, known for his progressive stances on education and social issues, has been a vocal advocate for free school lunches and tuition-free college.

Previously, Walz humorously speculated that former President Donald Trump would label him a "monster" for his policies. Now, as Harris’s chosen partner, Walz is bracing for criticism from Trump and his supporters.

Walz, a former high school teacher, has made significant strides in education during his tenure in Minnesota, including initiatives for free college tuition for low-income families and providing free breakfast and lunch in schools. His progressive agenda also covers abortion rights, marijuana legalization, and stricter gun regulations—areas he expects to face strong opposition from Trump and other conservatives.

In a July 28 CNN interview, Walz responded to potential attacks by highlighting the benefits of his policies. “What a monster! Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn, and women are making their own healthcare decisions, and we're a top-five business state and we also rank in the top three of happiness,” he said. “Look, they’re going to label whatever they’re going to label.”

Walz and Harris share common ground on education, both supporting free community college and student loan debt relief. In 2018, Walz expressed his commitment to addressing student loan debt, stating on Twitter, "Student loan debt is a crisis in our state. Every student deserves a shot at a college education and soaring costs shouldn't stand in the way."

In contrast, Trump and his vice presidential pick, JD Vance, oppose student-loan forgiveness and progressive policies on gun control and abortion rights. Trump’s campaign has already launched attacks, characterizing Walz as someone who will "unleash HELL ON EARTH" and accuse him of endorsing what they call the "GREEN NEW SCAM."

On the other hand, progressive leaders have praised Harris's choice. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the selection an "excellent decision" and expressed confidence that Harris and Walz will stand firm on their progressive platform.

Walz, reaffirming his commitment, stated on X, “Vice President Harris is showing us the politics of what’s possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school.” He aims to continue advocating for his progressive policies alongside Harris.

“The fact of the matter is, where you see the policies that Vice President Harris was a part of making, Democratic governors across the country executed those policies, and quality of life is higher, the economies are better, educational attainment is better,” Walz told CNN. “So yeah, my kids are going to eat here, and you’re going to have a chance to go to college, and you’re going to have an opportunity to live where we’re working on reducing carbon emissions.”

Have you utilized free college tuition in your state? Share your experience with this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com.

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