Donald Trump has recently made several hostile and derogatory statements about Somali immigrants, especially those living in Minnesota.

Recent remarks

• In a televised cabinet meeting, he said he does not want Somali immigrants in the United States and that the country is “going the wrong way” if it keeps “taking in garbage,” language multiple outlets reported he aimed at Somali immigrants and at Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali‑American congresswoman.

• He claimed that Somali immigrants “contribute nothing,” “do nothing but complain,” and should “go back” to Somalia, while also saying Somalia “stinks” and suggesting there is “no good reason” for the country’s condition.

Policy‑related statements

• In November 2025 he announced that he was immediately ending Temporary Protected Status and related deportation protections for Somalis in Minnesota, alleging without providing evidence that “Somali gangs” were terrorizing residents and that “billions of dollars are missing” due to fraud.

• He has linked these comments to calls for intensified immigration enforcement and deportation operations focused on Somali communities in Minnesota.

How it has been received

• Civil rights groups, Minnesota officials, and Somali community leaders have condemned his language as xenophobic and dangerous, warning it stigmatizes an entire community and could fuel harassment and hate incidents.

• Local leaders in Minneapolis and Minnesota have publicly affirmed support for Somali residents and rejected Trump’s characterization of them and their contributions.