Somalis expressed widespread outrage on Wednesday after former U.S. President Donald Trump made derogatory comments about Somalia and its people during a cabinet meeting. While many condemned his remarks as racist and unacceptable, a few Somalis said his criticism reflected harsh truths about the country’s ongoing challenges.
Trump reportedly described Somalis as “garbage,” claiming, “We don’t want them in our country” and “Their country stinks.” He went further to say, “They just run around killing each other.” These comments come as Trump intensifies rhetoric targeting immigrants following last week’s shooting of two National Guard troops in Washington, allegedly by an Afghan national.
Community elder Abdisalan Omar, speaking from central Somalia, condemned Trump’s language, saying such words were unbefitting of a world leader.
“The world should respond,” he stated. “Presidents who speak in such a way cannot serve the US and the world.”
In Mogadishu, construction worker Bule Ismail criticized Trump even more strongly:
“In our culture, we do not use abusive language. It is upon the American people to first be angry with Trump, and then take him to a mental hospital for checkup.”
Somali PM Urges Citizens to Ignore Trump’s Remarks
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre struck a calm and diplomatic tone while addressing an innovation summit in Mogadishu. He noted that Trump has a history of insulting several countries, including Nigeria and South Africa.
“There are things that do not need comment,” Barre said. “It is better to ignore than to make his words look like an issue.”
Trump has also recently announced that he would end deportation protections for Somalis living in Minnesota, claiming without evidence that “Somali gangs” were terrorizing the state—an assertion local officials rejected.
A Few Somalis Say Trump Highlighted Harsh Realities
Despite widespread anger, some Somalis interpreted Trump’s comments as criticism of Somalia’s government rather than its people.
“Trump said the truth but in unpleasant words,” said Samira Abdullahi, a Mogadishu resident who had her land seized by authorities. “We have no government. al-Shabaab is looting and bombing all Somalis.”
Somalia continues to face persistent violence, deep poverty, and the ongoing threat of al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda–linked extremist group that has fought for nearly two decades to overthrow the central government.
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