Todd Weiler, a Utah state senator, posted a series of tweets on January 25 and 26, 2026, addressing historical figures’ involvement in slavery and commenting on Minnesota’s political leadership.
On January 25, Weiler wrote: “I abhor the practice of slavery. And if we want to use that history to tarnish the Founding Fathers, here’s a reminder of other slave owners: Aristotle, Plato, Cicero, John Locke, Voltaire, Napoleon Bonaparte, Horatio Nelson, Jane Austen’s family, George Orwell’s ancestors …” He followed this statement with another tweet listing additional individuals who benefited from slavery: “2/ Edward Colton, Sir Francis Drake, and William Penn, Elizabeth, Charles II & James II, William III (William of Orange) and Frederick William (The Great Elector of Brandenburg-Prussia) all profited form the slave enterprise.”
On January 26, Weiler shifted focus to contemporary politics in Minnesota. He stated: “Walz and Frey have done more damage than good — and should share in some of the blame for the mess in MN.”
Weiler’s remarks about slavery reference an ongoing debate over how historical figures are remembered in light of their connections to slavery. The mention of various philosophers and leaders underscores the widespread nature of slaveholding across different eras and societies.
His comments regarding Tim Walz and Jacob Frey refer to current debates about governance in Minnesota. Tim Walz is the governor of Minnesota and Jacob Frey is the mayor of Minneapolis.
