Former Minnesota governor and professional wrestling legend Jesse "The Body" Ventura has launched a scathing verbal attack on former U.S. President Donald Trump, labelling him a coward while hinting at a potential return to political office.
Ventura's Blistering Critique of Trump
Speaking to a reporter from FOX 9 outside his alma mater, Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, on January 8, 2026, Ventura did not hold back. The visit was to show support following a controversial ICE raid at the school that resulted in a woman being shot and killed by immigration agents in the city.
In a video posted to social media platform X, Ventura, a Vietnam veteran and former Navy SEAL, called Trump a "draft-dodging coward." He sharply contrasted his own military service with Trump's history. "He’s the draft-dodging coward who, when it was his time to serve his country, he did what all rich white boys did," Ventura stated. "I wasn’t a rich white boy … We had to go … He’s gonna tell me what courage is?"
Trump has historically claimed a medical exemption from the Vietnam War due to a diagnosis of bone spurs.
Standing Up for Constitutional Rights
Ventura expressed pride in how Roosevelt High School handled the confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol agents, which led to cancelled classes on Wednesday. He framed the school's actions as a defense of American principles.
"They stood up for what is supposed to be America and freedom," Ventura said, defining that freedom as "not arresting people without warrants." He took aim at the political landscape, arguing, "We have a system here. It’s called a Constitution, and we have a party, the Republicans, who don’t seem to want to abide by the Constitution."
A Political Comeback for 'The Body'?
With current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announcing he will not seek re-election, Ventura openly mused about a return to the governor's mansion. The WWE Hall of Famer, who served one term as governor from 1999 to 2003 after a surprise victory as a Reform Party candidate, suggested his time may have come again.
"You know what? Maybe it’s time for Jesse. I only did one term. I’m owed a second," Ventura told the reporter. Although he endorsed the Democratic Governor Walz in 2022, Ventura has maintained a critical stance toward both major U.S. political parties throughout his post-wrestling career.
This combination of fiery political commentary and a tease of a comeback has reignited discussions about Ventura's unique role in American politics and his potential to disrupt the upcoming Minnesota gubernatorial race.
