On December 4, 2025, President Donald Trump referred to Somali Americans as "garbage" during a cabinet meeting, continuing a pattern of derogatory remarks aimed at minority immigrant communities. This rhetoric has been criticized for fostering a hostile environment, particularly for the Somali community in Minnesota, where approximately 84,000 individuals of Somali descent reside.

Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) responded to Trump's comments on CNN, expressing concern that such language could incite violence against Somali Americans and contribute to a climate of fear. She noted that derogatory remarks from the President have led to personal threats against her and have encouraged hostility towards others in the community. Omar emphasized that the generalization of an entire ethnic group based on the actions of a few is both dangerous and unjust.

Trump's history of racially charged rhetoric includes previous comments questioning why the U.S. accepts immigrants from certain countries, using derogatory language to describe nations such as Haiti and several African countries. His remarks have drawn condemnation from various lawmakers, including some Republicans, who have labeled them as offensive. However, in this instance, Republican leaders largely refrained from public criticism, with some expressing agreement with Trump's statements.

Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota publicly criticized Trump, describing his comments as slanderous and unprecedented for a sitting U.S. president. Walz highlighted the negative impact such language can have on children in the community and emphasized the contributions of Somali Americans to the state's economy and culture.

In addition to the backlash from political leaders, civil rights advocates have raised alarms about the normalization of dehumanizing language towards immigrant communities. Experts warn that such rhetoric can lead to increased violence and discrimination against marginalized groups. LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund, noted that Trump's language contributes to a dangerous environment for people of color.

Federal authorities are reportedly planning an immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, focusing on undocumented Somalis, which has heightened fears within the community. The potential impact of Trump's comments is underscored by the fact that many Somali Americans are U.S. citizens, with over 90% of the population in Minnesota holding citizenship.

This incident reflects broader implications for community relations and the challenges faced by immigrant populations in the U.S., particularly in light of ongoing discussions about immigration policy and the treatment of minority groups.