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.

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President Trump repeatedly targeted Somali immigrants living in Minnesota, following reports linking some members of that community to a corruption scandal in the state.

Speaking about Ilhan Omar, he said: “She doesn’t do much. She’s always complaining. She came from one of the worst countries in the world,” Trump stated, as the audience responded with applause and laughter.

Trump also said that during his previous presidency he halted travel from countries he described as conflict-ridden and insecure, such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, and others.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that the administration is planning to expand the travel ban, potentially affecting more than 30 countries, following a recent shooting incident.

During Trump’s previous administration, travel was already banned from 19 countries he labeled as security or public-safety risks. These included: Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

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In a statement issued today, the African Union Commission said it has “taken note” of the latest proclamation by the U.S. government that reinstates and expands travel restrictions on nationals from multiple countries, including Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, Sudan, and others on the continent.

Trump’s new ban, announced on Wednesday, revives a signature policy from his first term and takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.

It places a full travel ban on citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

An additional seven countries — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela — will face enhanced screening and visa restrictions.

Trump defended the policy by citing “deficient vetting systems,” high visa overstay rates, and limited cooperation from some governments on deportation matters.

While acknowledging “the sovereign right of all nations to protect their borders and ensure the security of their citizens,” the AU Commission called on the United States to exercise such rights “in a manner that is balanced, evidence-based, and reflective of the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.”

The AU warned that the travel restrictions could undermine people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement, and broader diplomatic relations that have been “carefully nurtured over decades.”

“The African Union and the United States share mutual interests in promoting peace, prosperity, and global cooperation,” the Commission stated. “We respectfully call upon the U.S. Administration to consider adopting a more consultative approach and to engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.”

The Commission also urged transparent communication and collaboration to address any underlying issues that may have informed the U.S. decision.

Finally, the AU reaffirmed its readiness to support efforts that promote understanding, resolve concerns, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and the United States.

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The ban, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, also imposes heightened restrictions on visitors from seven additional nations.

According to the Associated Press, the measure is structured to avoid the airport chaos that erupted in 2017 when a similar ban was introduced with almost no warning.

This time, Trump appears to be on stronger legal footing, following a 2018 Supreme Court decision that upheld his authority to implement such restrictions.

Full ban

The new list of banned countries includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face enhanced screening and visa restrictions.

Trump defended the move by citing concerns over “deficient” vetting systems, a lack of cooperation from some governments in accepting deported citizens, and high visa overstay rates.

His administration relied heavily on a Department of Homeland Security report tracking visa overstays by tourists, students, and business travelers arriving by air or sea.

“We don’t want them,” Trump said bluntly.

Somalia Specifically Targeted

In his official proclamation, Trump claimed that Somalia lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documentation.

Trump asserted that Somalia’s government does not effectively control its territory, which, according to him, limits its ability to ensure national security.

“Somalia stands apart from other countries in the degree to which its government lacks command and control of its territory,” the proclamation reads.

The administration further argued that Somalia continues to harbor a persistent terrorist threat, stating that terrorist groups use Somali territory as a base for planning and launching attacks.

“The United States Government has identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven,” the statement continues. “Somalia also remains a destination for individuals attempting to join terrorist groups that threaten the national security of the United States.”

Trump’s order adds that the Somali government has historically refused to accept back its nationals who are ordered removed from the U.S.

As a result, the proclamation concludes:

“The entry into the United States of nationals of Somalia as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.”

In response, Somalia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dahir Hassan, told Reuters:

“Somalia values its enduring relationship with the U.S. and is ready to engage in meaningful dialogue to address concerns.”

The ambassador emphasized Somalia’s commitment to improving bilateral ties and addressing shared security challenges, signaling a diplomatic approach despite the newly imposed restrictions.

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