US President Donald Trump lashed out at Somali immigrants yesterday, declaring they should be unwelcome in the United States while referencing the ongoing struggles in Somalia.
Trump’s remarks came as Minnesota prosecutors investigate a scandal involving over US$1 billion in fraudulent social service claims, allegedly linked to Somali Americans.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Trump said, “In Somalia they have no anything, they just run around killing each other. Their country’s no good for a reason. Their country stinks, and we don’t want them in our country.”
He criticized Somali Americans in Minnesota, claiming they “contribute nothing,” and targeted Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, originally from Somalia, calling her and her associates “garbage.” Omar responded on X, saying, “His obsession with me is creepy. I hope he gets the help he desperately needs.”
Trump’s administration recently ended protections against deportations for Somalis in the US that had been in place since 1991. The move adds to tensions in Minnesota, a historically Democratic state with a sizable Somali American community.
The Minnesota scandal includes allegations of false claims for feeding children during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting concerns over misuse of taxpayer funds.
Separately, Trump has also suspended all visa issuance to Afghans following a recent deadly shooting in Washington by an Afghan granted asylum.
