Why it matters:
Trump’s new tirade against Somali immigrants, calling them “garbage,” accusing them of “contributing nothing,” and attacking Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for their support of the Somalian community in the state marks a continuation of his long-standing pattern of demeaning entire nationalities.
His rhetoric has historically inflamed anti-immigrant sentiment, legitimized xenophobia among parts of his political base, and contributed to hostility toward minority communities. These remarks are significant because they come at a moment when immigration enforcement is intensifying in Minnesota, meaning presidential language can directly shape public perception and policy outcomes. They also risk heightening fear within Somali-American communities, emboldening discrimination, and further polarizing the American political environment.
The big picture:
This latest episode reflects a broader pattern in which Trump has consistently used harsh and derogatory language toward other nations. In previous immigration discussions, he has described countries such as Haiti, El Salvador, and several African nations in extremely negative terms, framing them as undesirable sources of migration. Just days before his recent remarks, the administration halted all immigration, green card processing, and citizenship pathways for applicants from 19 non-European countries, citing national security concerns and referencing a recent attack in Washington involving a suspect of Afghan origin. Several of these countries—including Somalia, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and Haiti—had already been subject to some of the strictest U.S. travel restrictions enacted earlier this year.
What he's saying:
Trump criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar in harsh terms. He said:
"I think that Walz is a grossly incompetent man. There's something wrong with him. And when I see somebody like Ilhan Omar, who I don't know at all, but I always watch her, for years I've watched her complain about our Constitution. How she's being treated badly. ... And I think she's an incompetent person. She's a real and terrible person."
He further attacked Ilhan Omar and her colleagues:
"Ilhan Omar is garbage. She's garbage. Her friends are garbage. These aren't people that work. These aren't people that say, 'let's go, come on, let's make this place great.' These are people that do nothing but complain."
Trump also attacked Somalia and Somali Americans, claiming:
"With Somalia, which is barely a country, you know, they have no—anything.They just run around killing each other. There's no structure. Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars, billions every year, and they contribute nothing. The welfare is like 88%. They contribute nothing. I don't want them in our country. Their country is no good for a reason. Their country stinks and we don't want them in our country. I could say that about other countries, too."
Go deeper:
Protests Against Trump's Policies; From LA to NY
Anti-Trump Protesters Wrap “Crime Scene” Tape Around White House
F.abedi - F.abedi
