Governor Walz Condemns Trump's Remarks on Somali Community

Fri Dec 05 2025 03:52:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticizes former President Donald Trump's derogatory comments regarding the Somali community in Minnesota, calling them slanderous and unprecedented.

Democratic Governor Tim Walz strongly condemned remarks made by former President Donald Trump, who referred to Minnesota's Somali community as 'garbage' and the state as a 'hellhole.' Walz stressed the negative impact such rhetoric has on children and the community's welfare. While Republican leaders refrained from fully supporting Walz's condemnation, they suggested the discourse stemmed from the governor's mismanagement of social programs. The dialogue around immigration enforcement and fraud allegations has sparked mixed responses across the political spectrum.

ST. PAUL, Minn, (AP) — Democratic Governor Tim Walz has criticized former President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding Minnesota’s Somali community, labeling them as 'garbage' and dismissing the entire state as a 'hellhole.'

Walz emphasized that Trump’s remarks were slanderous to all Minnesotans, stating that, We’ve got little children going to school today who their president called them garbage.” He highlighted how such language impacts the community negatively.

While Walz called for a unified front against Trump's comments, Republican legislative leaders chose to distance themselves, countering that the focus should be on alleged fraud in social services rather than joining the condemnation.

Trump's Rhetoric Against Somali Immigrants

This sense of divisiveness has been exacerbated by Trump's continued criticism of the Somali community. Following claims from conservative outlets suggesting connections between Somali residents and fraudulent government activities, Trump intensified his rhetoric. He has previously referred to Minnesota as a 'hub of fraudulent money laundering,' indicating intentions to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants.

Response to Immigration Enforcement in Minnesota

In addition to condemning Trump's remarks, both Walz and community leaders are currently confronting federal immigration enforcement activities targeting Somalis residing unlawfully in the U.S. Estimates suggest that around 300 Somali immigrants in Minnesota may be affected by potential deportation actions, further complicating community dynamics.

Political Fallout and Broader Reactions

The ongoing discourse didn't just stir local conversations in Minnesota, as lawmakers from Ohio voiced their concerns as well. They condemned Trump's remarks as xenophobic and unacceptable, emphasizing the need to respect Somali contributions in their states.

As the community navigates these turbulent waters, it becomes increasingly important to address both the rhetoric used by political figures and the real-life consequences it carries for marginalized communities.