Trump's Controversial Remarks Spotlight Minnesota's Somali Community

Fri Dec 05 2025 09:24:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent disparaging comments by President Trump regarding Minnesota's Somali immigrants have reignited discussions about their contributions and challenges in the U.S. An overview of the Somali population in Minnesota, their legal status, political representation, and the ongoing issues surrounding fraud allegations.

Minnesota's significant Somali population faces renewed scrutiny following President Trump's comments, which have been perceived as generalizing and unfounded. The Somali community, primarily in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, is notable for its considerable number of naturalized citizens. Trump’s remarks coincided with federal operations targeting illegal immigration and ongoing fraud allegations within community programs. Despite some challenges, Somali Americans continue to play a crucial role in Minnesota's political landscape.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In light of President Donald Trump's recent remarks aimed at Minnesota's sizable Somali population, renewed focus has emerged around the experiences and contributions of these immigrants and their descendants in the U.S.

On Tuesday, Trump articulated his desire to limit Somali immigration, stating they 'contribute nothing' to American society. His comments came alongside reports of impending federal operations targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota.

Here's what you should know about the Somali community in Minnesota:

Largest Somali American Population in the U.S.

According to the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, approximately 260,000 individuals of Somali descent reside in America, with nearly a third located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Among these, about 84,000 are residents, many of whom are U.S. citizens. Notably, almost 58% of Minnesota's Somali population are native-born, while a significant 87% of foreign-born Somalis are naturalized citizens, primarily arriving since 2010.

Trump's Targeting of the Community

In recent weeks, Trump has intensified his criticism of Somali Americans, suggesting they have 'caused a lot of trouble,' particularly in connection with unverified claims made by some media outlets suggesting links between government program fraud and the terror group al-Shabab. These assertions have sparked considerable concern among community leaders.

While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an investigation into potential misuse of taxpayer funds linked to these allegations, no substantial evidence has been presented to confirm these claims, leading to pushback from local leaders against the stigmatization of the entire Somali community.

Responses to Fraud Allegations

The Somali community, alongside state leaders such as Governor Tim Walz, have publicly defended themselves against the claims that recent instances of fraudulent activities should be attributed to the broader community. The ongoing investigation regarding the COVID-19-related 'Feeding Our Future' scandal, which has implicated multiple defendants, raises further complexities in portraying the community fairly.

Political Representation and Engagement

Despite challenges, Somalis have made their mark in Minnesota politics, with prominent figures like U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar representing the community. Additionally, other Somali Americans occupy various roles within local government, further solidifying their influence and contributions to the state.

As the discourse surrounding Somalis in Minnesota continues, community leaders advocate for acknowledgment of their positive contributions and the need to avoid generalizations based on the actions of a few.