Trump Sparks Outrage with Reported Xenophobic Attack on Somali Immigrants
Minnesota Leaders Hit Back as Trump’s Alleged Somali Remarks Stir Fear
Elohim Nyame 
US President Donald Trump is facing intense backlash after reportedly making a string of xenophobic remarks about Somali immigrants during a closed-door cabinet meeting at the White House. According to multiple accounts, the President allegedly described Somalis as “garbage” and claimed they “stink”, further asserting that they should “go back” to fix their home country instead of “complaining” in the United States.
The comments come at a time of heightened concern over immigration enforcement, following reports of a planned federal operation aimed at Minnesota’s sizeable Somali population. The Upper Midwest state is home to one of the largest Somali communities globally and the biggest concentration in the United States particularly within the Minneapolis, St. Paul metropolitan area.
Trump’s alleged remarks have prompted strong reactions from community leaders, civil rights advocates, and political figures. Minnesota state officials warned that any sweeping immigration action risked mistakenly targeting US citizens of Somali descent, many of whom have lived in the country for decades, contribute significantly to the local economy, and play vital roles in civic life.
Governor Tim Walz and other state leaders have previously expressed concerns over federal enforcement practices, noting that broad, poorly defined crackdowns often sow fear within immigrant communities and strain relations between authorities and residents. Critics argue that Trump’s language further deepens mistrust and reinforces negative stereotypes at a time when social cohesion is urgently needed.
Human rights groups say the President’s alleged statements reflect a troubling pattern of xenophobic rhetoric that undermines American values. Organisations have urged federal agencies to ensure that any enforcement efforts comply with constitutional protections, emphasising that mass operations in minority communities could lead to racial profiling and wrongful detentions.
Meanwhile, Somali-American leaders in Minnesota have condemned the reported remarks as hurtful and dangerous. They noted that Somali immigrants and their American-born children have enriched Minneapolis–St. Paul culturally, economically, and politically, including producing elected officials and business leaders who serve across the state.
The White House has yet to issue a formal response addressing the allegations. However, political analysts warn that the controversy could escalate tensions ahead of the 2026 election cycle, particularly in battleground states with large immigrant populations.
