In the wake of a devastating school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, which claimed the lives of two young children and left 17 others injured, former President Donald Trump has emerged as a prominent voice in the national response. The tragedy, one of the deadliest school shootings of the year, has shaken the nation, prompting Trump to issue a heartfelt statement of condolence and announce a significant financial pledge to support the victims’ families. His commitment to provide substantial aid, described as a “massive sum” to help alleviate the profound grief and financial burdens faced by those affected, has sparked both gratitude and debate, as the country grapples with yet another act of senseless gun violence.

The shooting occurred just before 8:30 a.m. during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, a cornerstone of the south Minneapolis community that shares its campus with the school. The assailant, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at the school, opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows, targeting children and parishioners gathered in prayer. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed instantly, while 14 other children and three elderly parishioners, all in their 80s, were wounded. Westman, armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, died by suicide at the scene. The attack, which police described as “deliberate and incomprehensible,” left 116 rifle rounds and other ammunition scattered across the church, a grim testament to the violence unleashed in a place meant to be a sanctuary.

Trump, who was campaigning in Pennsylvania when news of the shooting broke, issued a statement within hours, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the Minneapolis community. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy that no parent, no family, no community should ever have to endure,” he said in a video posted to his social media platform. “Our hearts are with the families of the two precious children lost and the 17 others injured. We will do everything in our power to support them and make sure they know America stands with them.” He went on to announce a personal pledge of $10 million to a victims’ fund, aimed at covering funeral costs, medical expenses, and long-term counseling for the affected families and survivors. The sum, described by aides as one of the largest individual contributions ever made to school shooting victims, is intended to “ease the unbearable pain” of those impacted.

The financial pledge, drawn from Trump’s personal wealth, has been channeled through a newly established fund in partnership with local Minneapolis charities and the National Compassion Fund, an organization known for distributing donations directly to victims of mass shootings. The fund aims to provide immediate cash payments with no strings attached, allowing families to use the money as they see fit—whether for burial expenses, medical bills, or rebuilding their lives. “These families should not have to worry about money while they grieve,” Trump said during a follow-up press conference in Florida. “We’re going to take care of them, and we’re going to make sure they feel the love and support of this great nation.”

The announcement has been met with a mix of gratitude and skepticism. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, speaking at a vigil attended by thousands, acknowledged the gesture as “a meaningful step” but emphasized that financial aid alone cannot heal the wounds of such a tragedy. “Money helps with the immediate needs, but what these families need most is for us to come together and stop this from happening again,” Frey said, his voice heavy with emotion. Community members, including parents like Vincent Francoual, whose daughter survived the attack, expressed appreciation for the support but echoed calls for broader action. “It’s a generous thing, but my daughter is traumatized,” Francoual said. “She thought she was going to die. No amount of money fixes that.”

The shooting has reignited the national debate over gun violence, with Trump’s response drawing attention for its focus on victim support rather than policy specifics. In his statement, Trump avoided delving into gun control, instead emphasizing mental health and school safety. “We need to figure out why these things keep happening and how we can protect our kids,” he said, calling for stronger security measures at schools and increased funding for mental health programs. Critics, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, pointed out the irony, noting that Trump’s administration recently cut $1 billion in federal grants for school mental health services, funds established after the 2022 Uvalde shooting to address such crises. “If we’re serious about helping kids, we need to keep those programs, not slash them,” Ellison said at a press conference.

The Minneapolis community has rallied in the face of this tragedy, with vigils at Lynnhurst Park and the Academy of Holy Angels drawing thousands. Candles lit the night as mourners, many wearing red to support gun violence prevention, sang hymns and shared stories of the children lost. Archbishop Bernard Hebda, leading a prayer service, read a telegram from Pope Leo XIV, expressing “profound sadness” and offering spiritual support. Governor Tim Walz, a former teacher, spoke of the pain of seeing children targeted in a place of learning and worship. “There shouldn’t be words for these incidents because they should not happen,” he said, vowing to push for legislative changes to prevent future tragedies.

The bravery of those at the scene has been a beacon of hope amid the sorrow. Teachers and staff shielded students, with some children protecting younger peers under pews. A 10-year-old survivor, Weston Halsne, recounted how a friend took a bullet while covering him. Neighbors like Pat Scallen ran to the church, comforting injured children until medics arrived. Minneapolis police and first responders evacuated the school swiftly, while hospitals like Hennepin County Medical Center treated 11 victims, including nine children, four of whom underwent surgery. All 17 injured are expected to survive, though some remain in critical condition.

Trump’s financial pledge has also drawn comparisons to his past responses to school shootings. In 2018, after the Parkland shooting, he hosted a listening session with survivors and families, pledging action on school safety. His recent contribution in Minneapolis has been framed by supporters as a continuation of that commitment, with aides highlighting his personal outreach to the victims’ families via phone calls. “The President has been in touch with the families, offering his condolences and ensuring they know help is on the way,” a spokesperson said. However, some critics argue the funds are a gesture to deflect from addressing gun control, a divisive issue Trump has historically sidestepped in favor of Second Amendment advocacy.

The shooting, the 44th school shooting in the U.S. in 2025, has intensified calls for reform. Westman’s legally purchased weapons, including an assault-style rifle, have fueled demands for stricter gun laws. Minnesota officials, including Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, are pushing for a national ban on such firearms. The tragedy follows other violent incidents in the state, including the June assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman, adding to a sense of urgency. At the vigils, members of Moms Demand Action distributed literature, urging action to “end this epidemic.”

For the Annunciation community, the focus is on healing. Principal Matt DeBoer, addressing mourners, apologized for the tragedy and urged collective action, saying, “We need to pray with our feet and fight for our kids.” A family assistance center has been established, offering counseling and resources. The community’s resilience shines through, with local businesses providing meals and neighbors tying ribbons around trees to honor the victims.

Trump’s pledge, while significant, is but one part of a broader response to a tragedy that has left Minneapolis forever changed. The loss of two young lives in a place of faith and learning has united the community in grief and determination. As candles flicker at vigils and families mourn, the nation faces a stark reminder of the cost of inaction. For now, Trump’s financial support offers a lifeline, but the deeper challenge remains: ensuring no more children fall victim to such senseless violence.