Senior Democratic lawmakers sharply rebuked President Donald Trump on Wednesday after he delivered a series of sweeping, derogatory remarks about Somali Americans, denouncing his rhetoric as xenophobic and dangerously divisive.
The coordinated response marked one of the strongest condemnations to date of Trump’s escalating attacks on immigrant communities.
In a joint statement, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs and Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Cory Booker condemned Trump’s comments as “xenophobic and unacceptable,” noting that he had not only disparaged Somali immigrants and refugees but also targeted Rep. Ilhan Omar, one of the first Somali Americans elected to Congress.
“Instead of using the power of the presidency to bring our country together, President Trump chose to attack an American immigrant community, the overwhelming majority of whom are law-abiding and have made many positive contributions to the United States,” the lawmakers said.
Their criticism followed Trump’s nationally televised Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, during which he claimed—without evidence—that Somali Americans “ripped off” billions of dollars from Minnesota and “contribute nothing.” He went further, declaring, “Their country stinks, and we don’t want them in our country,” and warning that the U.S. was “taking in garbage.”
Despite widespread backlash, Trump doubled down on Wednesday, saying Somalia “is not even a nation” and accusing Somali Americans of damaging the country.
He also escalated his rhetoric against Rep. Omar, saying she “shouldn’t be allowed to be a congresswoman” and should be “thrown the hell out of our country.”
Democratic lawmakers warned that such statements have consequences far beyond domestic politics.
They argued the remarks risk stoking anti-American sentiment abroad and could provide propaganda fodder for extremist groups such as al-Shabab and ISIS, which frequently exploit narratives of Western hostility toward Muslim communities.
“We must reject language that divides Americans and support those immigrants who contribute to our communities, economy and national security,” the lawmakers said.
Trump’s comments add to a long history of inflammatory statements about immigrant groups, dating back to his 2016 campaign and earlier.
Historians note that the U.S. has repeatedly seen waves of anti-immigrant rhetoric directed at newcomers—from Chinese laborers in the 19th century to Irish and Italian migrants in the early 20th century—before those communities later became recognized as integral parts of American society.
For Somali Americans, many of whom arrived as refugees fleeing civil war, Trump’s renewed attacks have sparked fear and anger in communities across Minnesota, home to the largest Somali population in the United States.
Local officials and advocacy groups have warned that the president’s remarks risk inflaming tensions, marginalizing an entire community, and undermining years of work to build trust between immigrant families and government institutions.
