Minneapolis (Kaab TV) – U.S. President Donald Trump has once again repeated hateful and discriminatory remarks directly targeting the Somali community living in the United States, describing them as “trash” who do not deserve to be welcomed into the country.
Speaking at the end of a cabinet meeting broadcast on television, Trump claimed that Somalis are people “who come from a place with nothing, yet complain a lot.”
“When they come from hell and arrive here only to complain and do nothing, we don’t want them. They should go back to their country and fix it,” he added, while Vice President JD Vance banged on the table in support of Trump’s comments.
These remarks—some of the harshest he has directed at a refugee community—have caused shock and outrage among many, who see them as a broad attack on Somali Americans.
Trump also insulted Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American representative from Minnesota, calling her “trash,” despite her being a U.S. citizen who has lived in the country for nearly a quarter of a century.
“Our country will head in the wrong direction if we continue accepting trash,” Trump said. “She is trash. Her friends are trash. These are not people who work. They are not people who say ‘Let’s build this country.’”
Ilhan Omar’s spokesperson, Jacklyn Rogers, previously said that the congresswoman “believes Trump is deeply troubled” and hopes “he gets the help he needs.”
Trump’s attack on Somalis is seen as part of his political strategy, in which he often highlights and exaggerates immigration issues when facing political pressure or other challenges within his administration.
Recently, Trump has been under scrutiny over inflation concerns and legal challenges related to airstrikes targeting ships in the Caribbean region.
The Somali American community views this incident as yet another attack on their dignity, rights, and their important role in contributing to the country where they are now citizens.