U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed strong anger toward Somali immigrants, declaring that they “should not be welcomed” in the United States. His comments come as a major fraud scandal unfolds in Minnesota, where prosecutors say more than one billion dollars were funneled into non-existent social services through falsified invoices submitted largely by individuals of Somali origin.
During an administration meeting, Trump claimed that Somalis in their home country “have nothing and only kill each other,” adding that “their country is in terrible shape for a reason. It’s a filthy place, and we don’t want them here.” He warned that America is at “a turning point” and insists that continuing to accept such groups would push the country “in the wrong direction.”
According to Agence France-Presse, Trump has a longstanding history of targeting minorities and promoting conspiracy theories, including his false claim that former President Barack Obama was born in Kenya.
In the same meeting, Trump asserted that Somali Americans “contribute nothing,” directing harsh criticism at Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who immigrated from Somalia. He labeled her and those around her as “garbage,” saying, “They should go back to where they came from and fix it.”
Omar responded on X, stating that Trump’s obsession with her is “frightening,” and adding that she hopes he “gets the help he so desperately needs.”
Last week, Trump revoked the temporary protected status that shields Somali immigrants in Minnesota from deportation, describing the move as an anti-crime measure. Prosecutors in the state continue to investigate multiple schemes involving the theft of taxpayer funds, including fraudulent claims of feeding children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota, a state with a long history of welcoming refugees and leaning toward the Democratic Party, is home to one of the largest Somali communities in the U.S. The scandal carries significant political weight, as it touches Democratic Governor Tim Walz, who was the party’s nominee for vice president in last year’s election.
In a separate action, Trump also ordered a halt to all visa issuances for Afghan nationals last week, following a shooting incident in Washington in which an Afghan immigrant opened fire on two National Guard members, killing one and injuring the other. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had previously served in a CIA-backed “partner force” in Afghanistan before resettling in the U.S. after the 2021 military withdrawal.
