Trump on 'shocking' Walz pick: 'I could not be more thrilled'

Former President Trump welcomed Vice President Harris's decision to add Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) to the Democratic ticket, calling it a "shocking pick."

"I would say my reaction is I can’t believe it. I never thought I was going to be the one who was picked," Trump said Wednesday morning in an interview on Fox News's "Fox and Friends."

"He’s a very liberal man, and he’s a shocking pick," the former president added. "I could not be more thrilled."

Trump called Walz a "smarter version" of Harris and "about the same as Bernie Sanders," referring to the independent senator from Vermont. Walz's voting record has shown he's much more moderate than Sanders.

The GOP nominee also attacked Walz as weak on immigration and "very heavy into transgender." Walz has signed legislation as governor of the North Star State protecting access to gender-affirming care.

Trump told Fox News he felt Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) would have been a stronger choice than Walz, and he echoed claims from other Republicans who have suggested the governor was passed over for the role because of his Jewish heritage.

"I have very little doubt…it was because of the fact that he’s Jewish, and they think they’re going to offend somebody else," Trump said, repeating his previous claim that any Jewish person who votes for Democrats should "have their head examined."

Harris on Tuesday announced she had chosen Walz as her running mate after a whirlwind two-week vetting process. Harris interviewed Walz, Shapiro and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for the position. 

The vice president ultimately opted for Walz, largely because of the chemistry the two were able to develop in a short time, but also because of his background and policy record.

Walz was born in Nebraska, served in the military and worked as a high school teacher before serving six terms in Congress. As governor, Harris noted he signed legislation intended to protect abortion access, curb gun violence and enshrine voting rights.

The governor had something of a meteoric rise into the national spotlight in recent weeks, aided in part by his description of Trump and Republicans as "weird."

Trump's campaign also criticized Harris's decision, calling Walz a “West Coast wannabe.”