Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly criticized remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump in which Somalis were described as “garbage,” calling the language offensive and disrespectful to an entire nation.
Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya English aired Saturday, Mohamud said Somalis are “intelligent and capable people” and rejected what he described as demeaning rhetoric that fuels harmful stereotypes, particularly against Somali communities living abroad.
The president emphasized that Somalia values its partnership with the United States, especially in security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts, but said mutual respect must remain at the core of the relationship. He highlighted that millions of Somalis make positive contributions to societies worldwide, including in the United States.
Trump’s comments, which have sparked backlash from Somali officials and diaspora groups, were made during a discussion about alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social assistance programs. During that exchange, Trump said he did not want Somalis in the United States and warned the country would “go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage.”
Mohamud rejected what he called unfair generalizations based on isolated criminal cases, reiterating that the actions of a few should not define an entire community.
On immigration, the Somali president said Somalis who are legally residing in the United States should be allowed to remain. He added that decisions concerning undocumented migrants fall under U.S. law and the authority of American institutions.
“We respect the sovereignty of other nations when it comes to immigration enforcement,” Mohamud said.
Somali communities in the United States are among the largest outside the Horn of Africa, with major populations in Minnesota, Ohio, and Washington state. In Minnesota, which hosts the largest Somali-American population, community leaders said the remarks have increased fear and anxiety.
Trump’s statements followed questions about a high-profile fraud case involving a Minnesota-based nonprofit accused of falsely billing the state for meals for children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal prosecutors allege the scheme involved millions of dollars, with dozens of individuals charged.
Somali officials and diaspora leaders have warned that rhetoric targeting entire communities risks escalating tensions domestically and internationally, even as cooperation between Washington and Mogadishu remains vital in the fight against al-Shabab.