President Donald Trump used his Thanksgiving message to launch a pointed critique against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, while also condemning the state’s large Somali community. The remarks, which were shared late Thursday night on Truth Social, have sparked significant backlash and raised concerns regarding their implications for Minnesota’s Somali residents.
In his post, Trump accused Somali refugees of “completely taking over” Minnesota, asserting that they contribute to rising crime and social dysfunction within the state. He described the presence of Somali gangs as a threat, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota.” The president characterized Governor Walz as “seriously retarded” and accused him of failing to respond to these alleged issues due to fear or incompetence.
Trump’s comments also targeted Representative Omar, describing her as “the worst ‘Congressman/woman’ in our Country.” He claimed she had entered the United States illegally and alleged that she harbors disdain for the country. His remarks included sweeping generalizations about the Somali community, suggesting that they contribute significantly to America’s social problems.
The White House subsequently promoted Trump’s message, calling it “one of the most important messages ever released by President Trump.” Officials urged the public to read his entire post, emphasizing its significance in light of ongoing discussions about immigration and community integration.
Minnesota is home to approximately 80,000 Somalis, the largest such population in the United States. This demographic shift began in the early 1990s when Minnesota’s dominant Lutheran Church welcomed tens of thousands of Somali refugees during a time of crisis in Somalia. While some perceive the Somali community as insular and resistant to integration, crime rates among Somali residents are not significantly higher than those of other groups in the state.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s comments comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding immigration policies. On Thursday, the president directed officials to review all green cards issued to individuals from Somalia and 18 additional countries. This directive aligns with his recent announcement to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis residing in Minnesota, a move that has drawn criticism from community leaders and advocacy organizations.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is tasked with implementing this order, though she acknowledged that no timeline has been established for the potential end of TPS. Representative Omar stated that while the withdrawal of TPS would be offensive, it would not significantly impact the Somali community in Minnesota.
In response to Trump’s assertions, conservative activist Christopher Rufo expressed support for the proposed immigration changes, suggesting that reviewing asylum and citizenship applications for fraud should be prioritized. His social media posts have called for mass deportations, emphasizing a hardline stance on immigration.
Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, Al-Shabaab, a Somali militant group, primarily focuses on conflicts within East Africa and is not believed to operate extensively beyond that region. However, concerns persist regarding the radicalization of young Somali-Americans, some of whom have traveled to Somalia to join militant factions.
As the debate surrounding immigration and community integration continues, Trump’s Thanksgiving message has reignited discussions about the Somali community’s role in Minnesota and the broader implications of his administration’s policies. Community leaders, along with Democratic legislators, have condemned the president’s remarks, arguing that they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine the contributions of Somali-Americans to the state and the nation.
