Trump refers to Somali immigrants as 'garbage' during dispute with Minnesota politicians

During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Donald Trump directed sharp criticism at Somali immigrants, calling them "garbage" and expressing that he does not want them in the United States. "Our country is at a critical crossroads," Trump said. "We could go in the wrong direction if we continue accepting what I would call garbage into our nation."

Trump extended the same label to Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali American from Minnesota, who responded on social media, describing the president's focus on her as "creepy" and urging that he seek help.

In contrast to his recent remarks, last year Trump sought support from Minnesotas Somali community during his reelection campaign, citing their desire for safety and security. Salman Fiqy, a Somali American who supported Trump in 2024, previously acknowledged that some of the presidents comments were politically motivated, aimed at rallying his base, despite initially feeling alienated by them.

The latest dispute arises amid tensions between Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who the president has called to resign over alleged welfare fraud. A New York Times investigation claimed that fraud occurred in parts of Minnesotas Somali community over the past five years, and critics suggested state officials avoided strict enforcement to not alienate the population. Governor Walz responded, emphasizing that targeting immigrants for publicity does not solve crime issues.

Trump has linked Omar to the welfare controversy in recent statements, intensifying the political friction. Somali immigrants primarily arrived in the U.S. as refugees during the 1990s civil war, with over 260,000 people of Somali descent currently living across the country. Census data indicates about 73% are naturalized citizens. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted that the city hosts more than 80,000 Somali immigrants, most of whom are U.S. citizens, and warned that federal actions may wrongly target citizens.

The presidents rhetoric on immigration has intensified following last weeks shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who has been charged with murder. Tom Homan, the federal immigration official, indicated there would be an increased ICE presence in Minnesota but provided no specific timeline.

Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman criticized the administration for singling out a community, stating on social media that Somali Americans, the majority being U.S. citizens, deserve safety and questioning why they are being othered.

Author: Zoe Harrison