At a campaign rally this week, former President Donald J. Trump delivered one of his most sweeping attacks yet against Somali immigrants and Somali American communities, prompting a rapid and forceful response from Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and igniting a national debate about political rhetoric, race, and the boundaries of democratic discourse.

Speaking before a supportive crowd, Mr. Trump accused Somali Americans of “destroying Minnesota,” repeated long-discredited claims about Ms. Omar’s personal life, and suggested that individuals from Somalia should not be permitted to serve in Congress. He described Somalia as “not even a nation” and asserted—with no evidence—that Somali Americans were “taking billions” from the United States.
The former president’s remarks, which echoed language he has used in the past toward immigrants and non-white communities, were immediately circulated across social media, where they prompted intense criticism from civil rights organizations and immigrant groups.

Within hours, Ms. Omar responded publicly, condemning Mr. Trump’s statements as “blatantly racist” and accusing him of deliberately endangering Somali communities for political gain. “He is not simply attacking me,” she said in an interview. “He is attacking the millions of Americans who come from immigrant backgrounds and contribute to this country every day.”

A Familiar Pattern, A Heightened Reaction

Mr. Trump has a long record of incendiary remarks about minority groups, but Minnesota officials say his latest comments struck at a particularly sensitive moment. The state is home to the largest Somali American community in the country, many of whom arrived as refugees during the last three decades.
Local leaders—including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey—defended the community as an integral part of the state’s cultural and economic life. “We are proud of our Somali residents,” Mr. Frey said. “Their story is the American story.”

But several Republican lawmakers in Minnesota offered support for Mr. Trump, including Representative Tom Emmer, who repeated unverified claims that “80 percent of crimes in the Twin Cities” were committed by Somali Americans. Neither Mr. Emmer nor his office provided sources for the statistic, and criminologists say local crime data does not track ethnicity or national origin in that manner.

The Political Stakes

Mr. Trump’s remarks come as he seeks to strengthen support among conservative voters ahead of the next election cycle. Analysts say his return to hardline immigration rhetoric may reflect a strategic attempt to energize a base that has responded to similar messages in the past.

But Democrats argue that the rhetoric poses real dangers. In a statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said the former president’s comments risk “fueling bigotry and violence” against Somali Americans and Muslims nationwide.

Ms. Omar, one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, has frequently been a target of Mr. Trump’s attacks. During his presidency, he publicly suggested she should “go back” to another country—a remark that drew widespread condemnation. She has since been the subject of multiple threats, some of which have resulted in federal prosecutions.

A Community Responds

In Minneapolis, community organizers say they are accustomed to being drawn into national political debates, but many expressed concern that the latest controversy could inflame tensions. Some Somali American business owners said they experienced an uptick in online harassment following the rally.

“We’re used to being politicized,” said Asha Mohamed, a community advocate. “But every time this happens, it creates fear for families who are just trying to live their lives.”

Others emphasized resilience, noting that the community has grown steadily despite political headwinds. “Somali Americans are workers, students, entrepreneurs, and public servants,” said Hamdi Ali, a Minneapolis educator. “We are not going anywhere.”

Looking Ahead

The episode has renewed broader questions about the impact of political rhetoric on immigrant communities, the boundaries of campaign speech, and the responsibility of public officials to avoid inflammatory claims.
It has also intensified scrutiny of how misinformation spreads during national election cycles, particularly when amplified by high-profile figures.

For now, both sides appear prepared to continue the confrontation. Mr. Trump has shown no sign of retracting his remarks, and Ms. Omar has vowed to speak “even more forcefully” in defense of her constituents.

As the political climate grows increasingly polarized, the exchange underscores the stakes of an election season where cultural identity, immigration, and the definition of American citizenship remain at the center of the national conversation.