Trump's Iran bombing leaves 2028 Democrats ducking for cover with muted response

Unlike their congressional counterparts, the top Democrats with eyes on the White House did not rush to condemn President Donald Trump 's Saturday evening strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
Some opted to say nothing at all.
Potential 2028 Democrat presidential hopefuls California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz all shared similar responses to Trump's actions in Iran via social media posts.
All three Democrats noted that they were monitoring the situations in their states, keeping alert for any potential signs of retaliatory attacks.
Newsom wrote that 'California's State Threat Assessment Center is actively monitoring for any potential impacts in California. While there are no specific or credible counter threats we are aware of at this time, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.'
California has the largest population of Iranians in the U.S. with just over 200,000 residents.
Whitmer also posted about the operation without directly commenting on Trump, noting that her 'top priority is the safety and security of the people of Michigan.' She stuck to a statement of 'monitoring the situation closely' without weighing in on the merits of the decision.
Kamala Harris' 2024 running mate Tim Walz directed Minnesota safety teams to be on 'heightened alert' for potential threats to Minnesota and also pledged to monitor the situation.
During last year's vice presidential debate, Walz criticized Trump for withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, arguing that this move allowed Iran to get closer to developing a nuclear weapon. He declined to return to that line of attack on Sunday.
Following the President's action in Iran, California's State Threat Assessment Center is actively monitoring for any potential impacts in California. While there are no specific or credible counter threats we are aware of at this time, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and report…
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) June 22, 2025
My top priority is the safety and security of the people of Michigan.
Last night, I called a briefing with the Adjutant General of @MINationalGuard and Colonel Grady with @MichStatePolice. We're monitoring the situation in Iran closely and taking steps to keep Michiganders safe.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 22, 2025
Following the President's decision to bomb nuclear facilities in Iran, I've directed our public safety teams to be on heightened alert for potential threats to Minnesota. While there's no known threats at this time, we'll continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 22, 2025
These responses came amid no statements being made by other potential 2028 contenders, including fellow governors Andy Beshears of Kentucky, and Wes Moore of Maryland.
Moore, an Army Veteran who led troops in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan, accused Trump of addressing Iran with 'a lack of seriousness', per a Politico interview last Thursday.
Democrat Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania responded Sunday afternoon to the attacks nearly 20 hours after Trump's announcement of the strikes, also toeing a fine line.
The 2028 Dem breaking out from his party on Iran
But while Shapiro parroted the line of coordinating with security officials to keep his constituents safe, he went a step further to say that ridding Iran of nuclear capabilities was 'good' outcome.
'I will say, with regard to the Iranian nuclear program, it was obviously very, very dangerous. The idea that Iran, the world's largest sponsor of terror, would have a nuclear weapon, would not only destabilize the Middle East, but it would create risk for American interests at home and abroad. And so it is good if Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon,' he added.
But he made sure to also say that the Trump administration owns full responsibility for what comes next.
Congressional Democrats have complained much more loudly about Trump's strikes. While some griped they were kept in the dark about the operation, others, including New York Democrat Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, went as far as to call for Trump's impeachment.

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