Minnesota Leaders Demand Respect for Somali Community After Trump’s Comments

Fri Dec 05 2025 04:19:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Democratic Governor Tim Walz condemned President Trump's derogatory remarks about Minnesota's Somali community, urging respect and inclusion as tensions rise over immigration enforcement and accountability.

In the wake of President Trump's inflammatory remarks describing Minnesota's Somali residents as 'garbage' and the state as a 'hellhole', Governor Tim Walz has called for respect and condemnation of hate speech. The Somali community in Minnesota is the largest in the U.S., yet faces scrutiny amid investigations of fraud in government programs. The governor's plea for unity contrasts with the cautious responses from Republican leaders, signaling a deepening divide over immigration and accountability in state politics.

ST. PAUL, Minn, (Echosphere News) — Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz has publicly denounced President Donald Trump for his derogatory comments targeting the state's Somali community, calling them 'garbage' while labeling Minnesota a 'hellhole' in a recent address.

Walz responded strongly, stating that such language serves to slander the citizens of Minnesota and has no place in today's political discourse. He expressed concern for the impact of Trump's words on the young Somali children attending school, emphasizing, 'We've got little children going to school today who their president called them garbage.'

Despite his invitation for bipartisan condemnation, many Republican leaders refrained from equating Walz’s sentiments or directly criticizing Trump. They suggested that the controversy might stem from Walz's perceived failures in managing fraudulent claims within social services.

Trump's rhetoric escalated recently after a conservative outlet published claims about taxpayer dollars allegedly funding the Somali militant group al-Shabab, further polarizing discussions surrounding the immigrant community.

Rhetoric and Reality

On Thanksgiving, Trump referred to Minnesota as a 'hub of fraudulent money laundering activity' and spoke of terminating Temporary Protected Status for Somalis, a safeguard against deportation for immigrants from designated countries. His statements continued, asserting that he preferred to see fewer immigrants from Somalia, stating, 'We can go one way or the other, and we’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.'

Immigration Enforcement Under Scrutiny

This week, federal authorities announced an immigration enforcement operation targeting unlawful Somali residents in Minnesota, inciting heightened anxiety within the community. Recent estimates place the number of Somalis with protected status at approximately 700 nationally, with Walz estimating 300 in Minnesota.

Community leaders and Walz stressed the importance of honoring contributions from immigrants, particularly the Somali population, which comprises around 84,000 individuals in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area alone. Highlighting their significant role in the economy and culture of Minnesota, Walz lamented the negative impact of Trump’s comments.

Ongoing Issues of Fraud and Accountability

The issue of fraud in government programs, particularly around recent scandals linked to Somali Americans, remains contentious. While many implicated are U.S. citizens, a federal probe estimated losses due to fraud could reach $1 billion across several programs. This has prompted calls from Walz for enhanced oversight and accountability while ensuring that discussions remain fair and respectful.

Republican leaders have treaded cautiously; some have echoed Trump's concerns regarding fraud but have hesitated to endorse his divisive language. As the state grapples with these complex issues, lawmakers in other states, such as Ohio, have joined the call for respect towards Somali residents, condemning Trump's comments as unacceptable.