Donald Trump fuels outrage over 'disgraceful' response over Democratic politician who was fatally shot

In the days following right-wing activist Charlie Kirk's shock assassination in Utah last week, Donald Trump made a number of passionate promises.

Not only did the Republican leader order that all US federal flags be flown at half‑staff in the 31-year-old's honour, but in a series of emotional Truth Social posts, he described Kirk as 'tremendous', a 'martyr for truth and freedom', and called his death a 'dark moment for America'.

He voiced his hope that the death penalty would be sought for his killer, announced his plans to speak at Kirk's funeral, and threatened anyone 'celebrating' his passing.

Authorities have since arrested the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

In response to the assassination of Democrat Melissa Hortman earlier this year, in contrast, Trump claimed during a conversation at the White House yesterday (15 September) that he was 'not familiar' with the politician.

Donald Trump made a number of statements following Charlie Kirk's death (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

For those in need of a reminder, Hortman - who worked as the Democratic speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives - her husband and their golden retriever were shot dead by a man impersonating a police officer back in June.

Vance Luther Boetler, 57, was arrested in the days that followed, after hiding out somewhere in the midwest.

At the time, 79-year-old Trump took to social media to issue a brief statement, branding the incident a 'terrible shooting', adding that it 'appears to be a targeted attack'.

"Such horrific violence will not be tolerated," he went on to add.

Despite this, it was Minnesota Governor Tim Walz who issued a proclamation that flags at all state buildings be flown at half-staff in Hortman's honour.

In the midst of the conversation yesterday, however, Trump was asked by a journalist why he hadn't acted with such vigour when the Democratic politician was assassinated earlier this year.

Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated in June (Steven Garcia/Getty Images)

In footage which has since gone viral online, CBS News' chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes asked the US leader: "Do you think it would have been fitting to lower the flags for Melissa Hortman who was killed as well?"

Following a brief pause, Trump then replied: "I’m not familiar, the who?"

Cordes then reminded the politician: "The Minnesota house speaker, a Democrat, who was assassinated this summer."

Appearing to recall Hortman's assassination, Trump responded: "Oh, well, if the governor had asked me to do that, I would have done that."

He went on to add of Walz - who himself was a close friend of Hortman - "I wouldn’t have thought of that, but I would’ve, if somebody had asked me. People make requests for the lowering of the flag, and oftentimes you have to say no, because it would be a lot of lowering."

Unsurprisingly, Trump's comments have upset a number of Americans.

Taking to X, one hit out: "His reply is absolutely disgraceful. Any REAL leader would have had the flags lowered without being asked. America is being run by a person totally lacking in any normal human emotion or empathy."

Another noted: "Good to know that even lowering and raising of the national flag depends upon the wishes and whims of the president."

A third simply penned: "Appalling."

LADbible Group has contacted the White House and the Minnesota Governor for comment.