Minneapolis Mayor’s Multilingual Victory Speech Sparks Controversy Among Critics
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 4: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks at an Election Night party on November 4, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Frey, the incumbent, seeks reelection to his third term while opposed by three other Democrats. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
By Eric Mack | Sunday, 09 November 2025 12:46 PM EST
Newly reelected Minneapolis Democrat Mayor Jacob Frey faces backlash after delivering part of his election night victory speech in Somali, drawing sharp criticism from conservative commentators who accused him of prioritizing immigrants over American interests.
Frey’s remarks, which included a nearly minute-long address in Somali and chants with members of the city’s large Somali community, were shared widely on social media. In the speech, Frey emphasized unity, stating: “To the great people of Minneapolis, and I say that very intentionally, because no matter where you are from, Minneapolis should be a place where you are proud to call home.” He highlighted the city’s diversity, noting support for Somali communities across regions like Bosaso, Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, Beledweyne, and southwest.
The speech followed Frey’s narrow ranked-choice victory over state Sen. Omar Fateh, a Somali American backed by Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar and the Democratic Socialists of America. Frey, endorsed by Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar, secured support from moderate Democrats to counter left-wing challenges. His outreach to Somali voters—Minneapolis’ fastest-growing population—prompted immediate criticism.
Conservative commentator Gerry Callahan called the speech “the most humiliating thing I’ve ever seen,” while Paul Szypula labeled it “insane pandering.” Podcaster Matt Walsh argued that elected officials should speak exclusively in English during public addresses, stating, “There should never be a time when Americans can’t understand what their elected leaders are saying.”
Frey has not publicly addressed the backlash but previously defended multilingual outreach as reflective of Minneapolis’ diversity. The city is home to one of the largest Somali populations in the U.S. and recently became the first major American city to permit Muslim calls to prayer at any hour.
