Trump's Controversial Remarks on Somali Immigrants Ignite Outrage

Fri Dec 05 2025 10:00:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a striking closing statement during a Cabinet meeting, former President Donald Trump labeled Somali immigrants in the U.S. as 'garbage,' drawing sharp criticism and showcasing his longstanding anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Former President Donald Trump's recent comments describing Somali immigrants as 'garbage' have sparked outrage both domestically and internationally. His remarks, made during a Cabinet meeting, reflect a continued pattern of derogatory language towards immigrants, echoing sentiments he has expressed throughout his presidency. Critics argue that this rhetoric legitimizes similar views in public discourse and raises concerns about its impact on federal policy and societal attitudes towards immigration.

In a surprising turn during a two-hour Cabinet meeting, former President Donald Trump referred to Somali immigrants in the United States as 'garbage,' repeating the phrase four times within seven seconds. This incident is not isolated; it aligns with Trump's ongoing history of inflammatory remarks about immigrants, dating back to his presidential campaign when he claimed that Mexico was sending 'rapists' to the U.S.

At the meeting, Trump insisted on the idea that he 'doesn’t want’ the 260,000 individuals of Somali descent in the country. His comments were met with applause and cheers from Cabinet members, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Historically, such expressions raise critical questions about the American identity and the frustrations felt by those who perceive some groups as unable to assimilate. The African-American community has voiced concern, recalling instances of discrimination and scapegoating in history, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Trump's controversial stance on immigration has intensified during his presidency. His administration's hardline measures, including an attempt to terminate birthright citizenship and significantly limit refugee admissions from specific nations, have further polarized discussions on immigration policy.

A recent study indicated that Trump's language surrounding immigration is more negative compared to his predecessors and even members of his party. Furthermore, his remarks about Somali immigrants have drawn condemnation from various communities internationally, amplifying concerns about the normalization of such rhetoric.

In response to the vitriol, Representative Ilhan Omar, who has been a frequent target of Trump's comments, stated that she would not be intimidated by the President's derogatory remarks, asserting the resilience and rights of the Somali-American community.

Legal experts have expressed apprehension regarding the global implications of Trump's language, noting that such comments could embolden leaders of other nations to adopt similar forms of hate speech.