Democrats Condemn Trump’s Xenophobic Attacks on Somali-Americans

Democratic lawmakers condemned President Donald Trump’s remarks about Somali-Americans, calling them xenophobic and unacceptable. Trump accused Somali immigrants of “ripping off” Minnesota and criticized Representative Ilhan Omar. Lawmakers warned that such rhetoric harms national unity, fuels anti-American sentiment, and provides openings for extremist groups like Al Shabab.

Senior Democratic lawmakers have strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Somali-Americans, describing them as deeply offensive, xenophobic, and entirely unacceptable. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs, alongside Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Cory Booker, expressed alarm over Trump’s comments, which targeted Somali immigrants and refugees living in the United States, including Minnesota’s Somali-American community and Representative Ilhan Omar, a sitting member of Congress.

The lawmakers highlighted that instead of using the platform of the presidency to unite Americans, Trump chose to single out a specific immigrant community, casting aspersions on their character and contributions to the country. "President Trump’s remarks disparaging Somalia, Somali Americans and Somali immigrants in the United States – including a sitting member of Congress, Representative Ilhan Omar – are xenophobic and unacceptable," the statement read. They emphasized that the Somali-American community is overwhelmingly law-abiding and has made significant contributions to American society, culture, and economy over the years.

Trump made these comments during a televised Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, claiming that Somalis “ripped off” billions of dollars from Minnesota annually and “contribute nothing.” He added that their country “is no good for a reason” and stated, “we don’t want them in our country,” further referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage.” Following a wave of criticism, Trump doubled down on Wednesday, stating, “Look how bad their nation is. It’s not even a nation…” He also reiterated his attack on Representative Ilhan Omar, asserting that she “shouldn’t be allowed to be a congresswoman” and suggesting she “should be thrown the hell out of our country.”

The Democratic lawmakers warned that Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric has consequences far beyond domestic politics. They stressed that such statements not only undermine national cohesion but also damage America’s international reputation. By spreading harmful stereotypes and casting immigrant communities in a negative light, Trump’s words create openings for extremist groups, such as Al Shabab, to exploit these divisions and incite violence or recruitment.

The statement further highlighted the importance of rejecting divisive language and supporting immigrants who contribute positively to their communities, the economy, and national security. The lawmakers underscored that America has a long history of immigrant communities facing discrimination and racist rhetoric, including groups such as the Chinese, Irish, and Italians, who were initially vilified but eventually became integral to the nation’s cultural and social fabric. The Democratic leaders concluded that it is essential for political leaders to promote unity and inclusion rather than perpetuate harmful stereotypes that threaten the country’s values and cohesion.