‘Unacceptable’: Somalia’s president condemns Trump’s remarks on Somalis

Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya English, President Mohamud said the remarks were “unacceptable” and reinforced damaging stereotypes about Somalis, particularly those living abroad. He stressed that Somalis are “intelligent and capable people” who contribute positively to societies around the world.

The comments attributed to Trump were made during a discussion about alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social assistance programmes. Referring to the issue, Trump reportedly said he did not want Somalis in the United States and warned that the country would “go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage”. The remarks have since drawn criticism from Somali leaders and diaspora communities.

President Mohamud said broad generalisations based on isolated criminal cases were unjustified and unfair. He noted that millions of Somalis live and work outside Somalia, including in the United States, where they play important roles in business, healthcare, education and public service.

“Somalis are contributing members of the societies in which they live,” he said, adding that rhetoric targeting entire communities risks deepening prejudice and social division.

Somali-Americans make up one of the largest African diaspora communities in the US, with significant populations in states such as Minnesota, Ohio and Washington. In Minnesota, home to the largest Somali-American community, local leaders said the remarks had heightened fear and anxiety.

Despite his criticism, President Mohamud emphasised that Somalia values its relationship with the United States, particularly in areas of security cooperation and counterterrorism. The US has long supported Somalia’s fight against the Islamist group al-Shabab through military assistance and intelligence sharing.