Inflammatory remarks from President Donald Trump have ignited controversy, branding Somalis as an unwelcome group to American society during a recent cabinet meeting. Describing them as “complaining people who do nothing” and “garbage,” the president made direct attacks against Representative Ilhan Omar and broader U.S. immigration policies involving Minnesota’s growing Somali population.
Following his Tuesday live broadcast on Newsmax, Trump referred specifically to “COVID-era fraud” allegedly involving Somalis in Minnesota before delivering harsh criticism. His comments extended beyond Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota – whom he previously dismissed as a “grossly incompetent man” during the same meeting – focusing instead on the immigrant community itself.
“I don’t want them in our country,” Trump declared, echoing his earlier assessment that their contributions are negligible and his concern is rooted in fear. He further characterized Somalia itself as “no good for a reason” and suggested its citizens are inherently unsuitable to remain here unless America drastically changes course.
The president claimed the United States is “at a tipping point” and warned of impending decline if such individuals continue entering:
“…people that do nothing but complain.”
“…come from hell, and they complain…”
These starkly negative assertions directly targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, whose own post addressed Trump’s remarks. She described the president’s “obsession” as “creepy” while highlighting her journey to America as a Somali refugee twenty-five years ago.
The backlash against the president’s xenophobic tirade has been immediate from Minnesota city officials. In response to reports detailing an administration targeting Somalis in the Twin Cities area, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter denounced the remarks as racist and un-American.
He posed pointed questions regarding America’s foundational principles:
“Who gets to be included in the ‘we’?”
“…do ‘we’ mean Black people? Do ‘we’ mean women? Do ‘we’ mean immigrants?”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed this sentiment, stating unequivocally that nothing Trump does will change their position. He noted:
“Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country.”
“They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family, and they are welcome in our city.”
The mayor’s statement further clarified, rejecting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on civil matters.
This latest outburst continues a pattern of attacking Muslim immigrants from Somalia that dates back to Trump’s campaign against Representative Omar.
