President Donald Trump on Thursday escalated his attacks on Minnesota's Somali community, urging residents to “fight back” against the group he falsely characterized as a violent threat. In a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed the state is being “taken over” by Somali immigrants and accused Democratic Governor Tim Walz of abandoning his constituents.
“The once Great State of Minnesota is being taken over by Somali Immigrants. There is Violence, Murder, and Mayhem all over the State,” Trump wrote. “The people of Minnesota must fight back.”
The president also leveled harsh personal criticism at Walz, calling him “an incompetent thief who doesn't want to get involved.” Trump alleged that Walz “just wants to get out of town with as much as he can steal, and then, lead a quiet life.” He further warned that Somali residents “view you as weak and stupid people,” and offered federal intervention: “If you need, the Federal Government will come to your rescue.”
Trump's remarks come amid ongoing federal scrutiny of a pandemic-era fraud scheme that siphoned hundreds of millions of dollars from a federally funded nutrition program. Reports indicate that as much as $1 billion was stolen in separate plots, with some charges targeting Somali nationals. The administration has previously linked the fraud to the broader Somali community, a connection critics say is unfounded and inflammatory.
This is not the first time Trump has targeted Somalis in Minnesota. In 2025, he referred to Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat who represents part of Minneapolis, as “garbage” and said Somalia “stinks.” His administration also ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali holders in January, with then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arguing that continuing the protections was “contrary to our national interests.”
Governor Walz has repeatedly pushed back against Trump's rhetoric. In 2025, he accused the president of “demonizing” the Somali community, highlighting the contributions of Somali Americans as “professionals, educators, artists, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs.” Walz said that such attacks ignore the diversity and energy that Somali residents bring to Minnesota.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, comprising about 1.07 percent of the state's residents, according to World Population Review. Most Somali Americans in Minnesota arrived as refugees during the civil war in Somalia in the 1990s, settling primarily in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Trump's latest comments drew swift backlash from civil rights groups and Democratic leaders, who argue that his language is not only divisive but also dangerous. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on the president to retract his statements, warning that they could incite violence against a community that has already faced harassment and discrimination.
The president's attack also comes as he has sought to rally support in key swing states, including Minnesota, which he narrowly lost in 2020. His inflammatory rhetoric on immigration has been a central theme of his political rallies, but this direct call to “fight back” against a specific ethnic group marks an escalation that has alarmed observers. Trump's history of controversial remarks continues to shape his public image and test the limits of political discourse.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Trump's focus on Minnesota suggests he sees the state as a potential pickup. However, his strategy of targeting Somali immigrants may alienate moderate voters, even as it energizes his base. The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the president's posts.
