Trump Critized After Denigrating Somali Immigrants as ‘Garbage’

U.S. President Donald Trump faced sharp criticism after referring to Somali immigrants in America as “garbage,” specifically mentioning Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., during a recent Cabinet meeting.

Omar arrived in the United States in 1995 after her family fled Somalia’s civil conflict and became a naturalized citizen shortly after. The president called individuals like her “garbage,” suggesting they were merely complainers rather than contributors to society.

“These aren’t people that say, Let’s go. Come on, Let’s make this place great,” Trump asserted dismissively regarding the remarks made by Omar or others from the Somali community. He went further, arguing against welcoming those who felt wronged back in their homeland. “If they came from hell and they complain… we don’t want them in our country.”

In response to the president’s harsh characterizations, Minnesota officials and community leaders voiced strong opposition. Mayor of St. Paul Melvin Carter called Trump’s remarks “beyond reprehensible,” noting that his administration appeared more eager to denigrate immigrant groups rather than engage with their concerns.

Ilhan Omar herself challenged the president in a social media post: “His obsession with me is creepy, and frankly I think he needs it.”

Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized welcoming sentiment. “Minneapolis welcomes everyone,” he stated unequivocally regarding the city’s large Somali population community.

The editorial board of The Minnesota Star Tribune condemned Trump’s remarks strongly as well, deeming them both dangerous and unacceptable given the significant presence of Somalis in their state, many contributing positively as citizens or permanent residents.