Tom Emmer

“put our national defense more at risk with our enemies, adversaries like Communist China.”

Tom Emmer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19

Emmer argued the order would harm Minnesota jobs and national defense.

“What you're literally saying is, 'I'd rather have the Chinese and other adversaries mine in the old-fashioned ways and not care about leaving the world in a better condition, than allow us to do it right here in Minnesota, where we have one of the top precious metal mines in the world'...and we have the most stringent environmental laws in the world, I would argue, that are going to ensure that it's done safely, and it protects not only the people doing the work, but it protects the environment.”

Tom Emmer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19

Emmer argued that opposing domestic mining would benefit China and other adversaries.

“Every one of us is an environmentalist. I make this point, so nobody gets to claim the high ground. It's like somebody saying, 'I'm a better conservative than you.' No, we all care about our environment. We all want clean water. We all want clean air,”

Tom Emmer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19

Emmer dismissed environmental groups' support for Walz's order as a 'false argument.'

“harm Minnesota, good union jobs in northern Minnesota,”

Tom Emmer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19

Emmer argued the order would harm Minnesota jobs and national defense.

“This lame duck loser is trying to make us more energy and mineral-dependent on our adversaries,”

Tom Emmer · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-19

Emmer criticized Walz's executive order blocking mining permits near the Boundary Waters.