By Joseph Cunningham
Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP / Getty Images
Last week on Dec. 2 during a cabinet briefing, President Donald Trump went on a rather racially charged rant, directed at the people of Somalia while discussing alleged fraud in social service systems. Calling them “garbage,” Trump expressed his desire to get Somalis out, whether they were legally here or not.
Making comments that Somalia is “considered by many to be the worst country on earth,” he also claimed that Minneapolis shouldn’t be proud to have the largest Somali population, and that the Somalian population has destroyed Minnesota.
“I wouldn’t be proud to have the largest Somalian [population]. Look at their nation, look how bad their nation is, it’s not even a nation, just people walking around killing each other,” Trump said at the conference, in addition to attacking Minnesota governor Tim Walz, calling him “crooked” and”incompetent.”
He then took to attacking Minnesota’s state representative Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia then moved to the United States in 1995. Omar was then elected for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in 2019. Trump made mocking remarks about Omar’s attempts to criticize the president by using the constitution as a basis for rights and liberties for immigrants.
“Go back to your own country and figure out your constitution,” he said.
After blaming Barack Obama for the increase of Somali immigrants into America, Trump then says that Representative Omar shouldn’t be allowed to be in congress, and that anyone with Somali background shouldn’t even be allowed to run for congress.
By Thursday, Homeland Security attempted to show off its success since launching “operation metro surge” in Minneapolis. This allows for increased ICE activity in the city. Homeland Security claims ICE had arrested some of the “worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens,” giving a list of migrants arrested.
However, upon reading the list, only a handful have been fully convicted of their crimes, two of which are for driving under influence. By Friday, the number of arrested immigrants had gone up to 19; eight are Somali.
The Trump administration recently put a block on entry from foreign nationals in 12 countries,
including Somalia.
Since then, many have criticized the President’s comments, deeming them “racist.”
Rep. Ilhan Omar called these comments “completely disgusting” and “vile,” posting on X: “His obsession with me is creepy.”
Meanwhile, officials in Minnesota have come out in solidarity with Somali communities. Police Chief Brian O’Hara joined an interfaith prayer circle and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made his appearance at a shopping mall near Somali communities, called the Karmel Mall. United States Senator Amy Klobuchar then appeared on Friday at the same place to show support.
However, there are those who have defended or even supported the president’s comments. Border Czar Tom Homan on Sunday said he still supports Donald Trump, claiming not to be sure what he was thinking, however.
“I agree with 100 percent what he’s doing.” he said regardless, denying any personal feelings involved.