YouTube star Ms. Rachel has stepped into the political fray, defending Muslim children and the hijab after President Trump shared a video of a Minnesota kindergarten graduation where many girls wore headscarves. The video, originally posted by the account End Wokeness, highlighted that “every girl is in a hijab… in kindergarten.” Trump did not add his own caption but amplified the message, drawing sharp criticism from advocates and lawmakers.
The children were not protesting or campaigning—they were simply graduating from kindergarten. But Trump’s decision to target them has reignited concerns about the use of children in political messaging. Ms. Rachel, known for her educational content and advocacy, responded directly to the kids, saying, “I saw some of you wore a hijab to your graduation. I am glad you wore something meaningful and special to you and your family. I think hijabs are beautiful.” She added, “No matter what we wear, we all belong. No one’s hurtful words can take away our worth and our value!”
This incident is part of a broader pattern. Minnesota’s Somali and Muslim communities have been frequent targets of Trump’s rhetoric since he returned to office. In December, he referred to Somalis as “garbage,” saying, “They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country.” During his State of the Union address, he blamed “Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota,” linking immigration to corruption and lawlessness. Critics argue that while prosecuting fraud is legitimate, painting an entire community as fraudulent is dangerous and inaccurate.
The Somali American community in Minnesota is largely composed of refugees and immigrants who fled civil war decades ago. They have built families, become U.S. citizens, opened businesses, and contribute over $8 billion annually to the state’s economy. In fact, Minnesota’s Somali community has one of the highest labor force participation rates among immigrant groups. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Trump’s post, warning that “by using his global platform to amplify anti-Muslim bigotry and target Muslim children at this elementary school, President Trump is putting lives at risk.” CAIR pointed to a recent attack by white supremacists on a mosque and Islamic school in San Diego as evidence of how such rhetoric can escalate into violence.
Ms. Rachel has become one of the country’s most outspoken advocates for children, whether they are in Gaza, immigration detention facilities, or American classrooms. Her message remains consistent: every child deserves protection. She has faced criticism from all sides but has not wavered. This latest episode underscores the tension between debating immigration policy and using children as political props. As one observer noted, “When adults use children as symbols in political fights, nobody wins.”
The kindergarten graduation was a milestone for five-year-olds and their families. For many, wearing a hijab was part of that celebration. That it became a target for the president of the United States highlights the growing culture war over identity and religion. The broader context includes ongoing debates over immigration, as seen in Trump's refusal to sign a housing bill and his push for the SAVE America Act, as well as accusations of a power grab after firing election commissioners.
If we do not call out moments like this, they become normalized. Ms. Rachel’s response serves as a reminder that children should not be collateral damage in political battles. As she put it, “People can try to divide us and turn us against each other and say things that aren’t true. But we know what’s right and that we should treat every person with kindness and respect.”
