Somali PM dismisses Trump’s derogatory comments about nation, migrants

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's derogatory comments about Somalia and Somali immigrants on Wednesday, choosing not to engage directly with the criticism. Speaking at an innovation summit, Barre noted that Trump has made negative remarks about many nations and that the preferable response is to "simply move on," according to a report by the local website Raxanreeb.

Trump's Remarks and Accusations

The comments in question were made by President Trump during a Cabinet meeting, where he targeted the Somali community in the U.S. state of Minnesota. "Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars, billions every year, billions of dollars. And they contribute nothing," Trump stated. He further added, "I don't want them in our country. Their country is no good for a reason... We don't want them," and likened accepting immigrants to taking in "garbage." Such rhetoric is consistent with Trump's long-standing pattern of criticizing immigrants, particularly from certain countries, since his 2016 presidential campaign.

Pushback from U.S. and Somali Officials

The remarks drew immediate condemnation from other quarters. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz praised the local Somali community, accusing Trump of “demonizing an entire group of people who came here, fleeing civil war, and created a vibrant community that makes Minnesota and this country better.” A day prior, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, criticized the use of Somalia as a "scapegoat," calling the narrative "an insult to our resilience and sacrifice" and urging Somalis to protect their dignity.

Context of Diplomatic Relations

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration rhetoric and its impact on international perceptions. The Somali government's measured response, advocating for unity and forward motion, reflects a strategic choice to avoid escalating a diplomatic confrontation while defending the integrity of its people both at home and abroad.