US Representative Ilhan Omar has issued a fierce condemnation of former President Donald Trump's recent verbal attack on the Somali community in her Minnesota congressional district, labelling his comments as "completely disgusting."
Omar's Defence and Warning on Hateful Rhetoric
In an interview on CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday, the Somalia-born Democrat defended her constituents, stating, "These are Americans that he is calling 'garbage.'" Omar emphasised the peril of such language, arguing that this level of dehumanising, hateful rhetoric from a political leader can incite dangerous actions among his followers.
Her remarks were a direct response to insults Trump levelled during a cabinet meeting. Beyond referring to Somali-Americans as "garbage," the former president suggested they should be sent back to Somalia, disparaging the nation and falsely claiming "Somalians have taken billions of dollars out of our country."
Context: Fraud Cases and Political Fallout
The spotlight on Minnesota's Somali community has intensified recently as right-wing figures have highlighted fraud cases in the state. Dozens of Somali residents were convicted in schemes involving false claims for reimbursements for meal programmes, medical care, and other services. One prominent case involved the organisation Feeding Our Future, whose founder was convicted in March for exploiting pandemic relief funds.
House Republicans have launched an investigation into how these fraud cases were handled by Minnesota's Democratic Governor, Tim Walz. Omar clarified her position, noting she was among the first in Congress to call for an investigation into the fraud, which she called "reprehensible." She also refuted claims from Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, that stolen taxpayer money was funneled to the Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab.
"If there was a linkage... then that is a failure of the FBI and our court system," Omar stated, adding that any campaign donations from those implicated were returned years ago.
Local Response and Omar's Broader Critique
In anticipation of heightened immigration enforcement following the administration's restrictions on Somali immigration, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an executive order barring the use of city property for such operations.
Omar expanded her critique in a New York Times op-ed last Thursday, asserting that Trump resorts to racist attacks to divert attention from his failing policy promises, including on the economy. "The president knows he is failing, and so he is reverting to what he knows best," she wrote.
The ongoing political clash underscores deep divisions over immigration, community integrity, and the power of presidential rhetoric in the United States.
