President Trump Targets Minnesota’s Somali Community in Controversial Truth Social Post
President Trump accuses Somali immigrants of causing violence in Minnesota, urging residents to ‘fight back’ and calling for federal intervention.
NASA/John Kraus/NASA
On Thursday, President Donald Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform accusing the Somali American community of taking over Minnesota and causing widespread violence. The president’s statements have drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates and Minnesota leaders, who condemn the rhetoric as hateful and divisive.
Trump’s Allegations Against Somali Immigrants
President Trump wrote, “The once Great State of Minnesota is being taken over by Somali Immigrants. There is Violence, Murder, and Mayhem all over the State. The people of Minnesota must fight back.” He urged Minnesota authorities to seek federal help to deal with what he described as a growing threat. “The Somalians should not be allowed to get away with what they are doing,” he added. “They view you as weak and stupid people. Fight back Minnesota, fight back! If you need, the Federal Government will come to your rescue.”
Background and Context of Fraud Case
President Trump has repeatedly referenced a 2020 scandal involving fraud in a state-run, federally funded child nutrition program in Minnesota. Many accused in the case were Somali Americans. In May, Aimee Bock, who was not Somali but led the Minnesota non-profit involved in the fraud, was sentenced to 41 years in prison after being convicted as the ringleader. Trump has used this case to justify increased arrests and deportations of immigrants in Minnesota and efforts to curtail social service programs such as Medicare and childcare.
Criticism From Civil Rights Advocates and Officials
Civil rights groups have criticized President Trump’s rhetoric as an attempt to collectively target immigrant communities based on isolated incidents. They also highlight his pardons of individuals convicted of fraud as contradictory to his tough stance. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison responded to Trump’s post by saying, “Somali Minnesotans are our neighbors. They are part of Minnesota. And the Minnesota I know and love is so much better than this bigotry.”
Community Reactions and Media Coverage
Members of the Somali community and local media outlets have condemned the president’s statements as racist and anti-American. KARE-TV Minneapolis St. Paul covered reactions to Trump’s Truth Social post, underscoring the strong backlash from residents and advocacy groups who view the message as inciting hate rather than addressing legitimate concerns.
President Trump’s targeting of Minnesota’s Somali population reflects ongoing tensions over immigration and social policy in the state, with many warning that such rhetoric risks deepening division and mistrust among communities.
