Minnesota lieutenant governor: Somali community integral part of our state

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan emphasized on Wednesday that the Somali community is an integral part of the states identity, responding to recent attacks directed at Somalis by former President Donald Trump.

Flanagan, who is campaigning for the U.S. Senate, shared a video on Bluesky, stating, I just watched the video of Donald Trump attacking the Somali community here in Minnesota. They are woven into the fabric of our state. Im walking down Lake Street right now, which is a central hub for the Somali community.

She continued, These individuals are our teachers, nurses, neighbors, mayors, and friends.

Recently, Trump criticized Somali immigrants on Truth Social, claiming that hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over Minnesota. During a Cabinet meeting, he also directed offensive remarks at Rep. Ilhan Omar, calling her garbage, and expressed negative views about Somali immigrants in the U.S.

Rep. Omar, who became a U.S. citizen 25 years ago after fleeing the Somali civil war, responded by condemning the former presidents rhetoric as bigoted, xenophobic, Islamophobic, and racist, noting that it is often used to distract from his own administrations shortcomings.

Minnesota officials have also criticized Trumps comments. Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the contributions of Somali residents, noting their roles as educators, artists, doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs who enrich the states diversity and vitality.

The White House defended Trumps statements, asserting that he was addressing challenges related to Somali immigrants in the country.

Author: Logan Reeves