Trump's Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage in Minnesota's Somali Community

Fri Dec 05 2025 11:36:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump faces backlash after calling for Somalis to be removed from the U.S., sparking a strong response from local leaders and community members. A Somali entrepreneur voices pride against derogatory comments, emphasizing their contributions to society.

In a recent Cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about the Somali community, expressing his desire to remove them from the U.S. This has ignited anger and defense from local Somali leaders, including Hamse Warfe, a successful entrepreneur, who stands against the negative rhetoric, stressing the significant contributions of Somali-Americans.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump's recent comments about the Somali community have caused a stir, with local leaders and citizens pushing back against his claims. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump stated, “Somalian should be out of here. They’ve destroyed our country,” which has since drawn widespread criticism.

Hamse Warfe, a successful Somali entrepreneur and educator, responded: “I am not garbage. Words matter a lot — especially when it’s the president of the United States.” This sentiment resonates within Minnesota, a state with a large Somali population, which has significantly contributed to its local economy and cultural diversity.

Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, have defended the Somali community against Trump's derogatory remarks. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to about 84,000 people of Somali descent, many of whom are U.S. citizens.

Following his comments, Trump proposed policies that could impact the Somali community, including a targeted immigration enforcement operation. However, the community and its allies reaffirmed their commitment to support and protect their residents, emphasizing that Minneapolis will continue to stand firm in its support for the Somali population.

As tensions rise, it remains crucial for communities to respond to hate speech with unity and pride in their diverse backgrounds.