- U.S. President Donald Trump made derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants in the U.S., claiming they “contribute nothing,” “don’t work,” and should “go back to where they came from.”
- Trump announced plans to terminate temporary legal protections (Temporary Protected Status) for Somalis living in Minnesota, a move affecting only a small fraction (705 nationwide) of the tens of thousands of Somalis living in Minnesota.
- Local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, condemned Trump’s statements, highlighting Somali contributions to business, employment, and cultural life in Minnesota.
- Somali reactions were mixed, with many expressing outrage at Trump’s language, describing it as racist, abusive, and offensive. However, some residents interpreted his comments as a criticism of Somalia’s government rather than its people, noting ongoing challenges such as poverty, violence, and attacks by the militant group al-Shabaab.
- Trump’s comments follow the recent shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington by an Afghan national, which he used to raise broader immigration concerns.
Trump Says He Doesn’t Want Somalis in the US
