Keypoints:
- Congress condemns Trump’s Somali remarks
- Warn rhetoric fuels division
- Say comments risk US interests
SENIOR lawmakers in the United States have sharply criticised President Donald Trump over remarks targeting Somali-Americans, accusing him of using divisive language against immigrant communities and undermining national unity. The political backlash followed comments made during a televised Cabinet meeting, where Trump alleged that Somali residents in Minnesota ‘rip off’ billions of dollars each year and ‘contribute nothing’ to the state’s economy.
In a joint statement, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs, alongside Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Cory Booker, described the remarks as ‘xenophobic and unacceptable’. They argued that the president’s comments singled out an immigrant community that has contributed significantly to American society, including a sitting member of Congress, Ilhan Omar.
Congress calls remarks ‘unacceptable’
The lawmakers said Trump should use his influence to unite the country rather than attack immigrant families. ‘Instead of using the power of the presidency to bring our country together, President Trump chose to attack an American immigrant community,’ the statement read. They added that the majority of Somali-Americans are law-abiding citizens who have shaped local economies, cultural life and even national security efforts, particularly in countering extremist messaging.
During the Cabinet meeting, Trump expanded his criticism to Somalia itself, calling the country ‘no good for a reason’ and claiming that accepting refugees was a mistake. His remarks included the statement: ‘We’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.’ The comments led to immediate backlash from civil rights groups, humanitarian organisations and lawmakers.
Trump doubles down
Despite widespread criticism, Trump defended his comments the following day, repeating his claim that Somalia is ‘not even a nation’. He also criticised Representative Omar directly, stating that she ‘shouldn’t be allowed to be a congresswoman’ and suggesting she should be forced out of the United States. The remarks echoed earlier campaign statements in which he portrayed immigrants from African nations as a burden to America.
Omar, who was born in Somalia and arrived in the United States as a refugee, has been a frequent target of Trump’s attacks. The lawmakers said that using derogatory language against a fellow member of Congress crossed a line and increased threats to her safety.
Warning of wider consequences
Meeks, Jacobs, Shaheen and Booker warned that such rhetoric harms efforts to build social cohesion within the United States while also affecting foreign policy. ‘These statements undercut US interests, stoke anti-American sentiment and create openings for terrorist groups like Al Shabab to exploit,’ they said. The lawmakers argued that attacks on immigrant communities can destabilise diplomatic relations and weaken partnerships with East African nations.
They urged Americans to reject language that seeks to divide. ‘We must support immigrants who contribute to our communities, economy and national security,’ they said, calling for a more constructive discussion on migration and the role of refugees in American life.
Long history of immigrant scapegoating
Trump has previously made immigration a central political theme, starting with his 2016 campaign and continuing throughout his presidency. Historians noted that the United States has a long record of hostility towards new arrivals, with groups such as the Irish, Italians and Chinese facing discrimination before later becoming central to the American identity.
The lawmakers said the lesson from history is clear: immigrant communities often face hostility, only for the country to later recognise their contributions. They insisted that Somali-Americans are part of this tradition and urged the president to shift his tone.
