Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has strongly condemned statements attributed by U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he reportedly termed Somalis as “garbage.” Speaking in an extensive interview with Al Arabiya english, the President called such remarks unacceptable and deeply disrespectful to the Somali people.
“It is not acceptable for President Trump or anyone to call Somalis garbage. Somalis are very smart, intelligent, hardworking and honest people. No human being is garbage,” President Hassan Sheikh said, emphasizing the resilience, intelligence, and work ethic of his countrymen both in Somalia and abroad.
He highlighted the contributions of Somali communities living in the United States, especially those in Minnesota, who have integrated into American society and contributed positively through business, education, employment, and community development. “America is another country that has welcomed Somalis. Many of them are there legitimately and will remain there legitimately. Those whose legal process is unresolved still deserve fair justice within the U.S. legal system,” he said.
Trump’s Accusations and Policy Actions Targeting Somali Communities
In late 2025, US President Donald Trump launched a series of harsh accusations against Somali communities in the United States, particularly in Minnesota, where many Somali Americans reside. He repeatedly claimed that Somali immigrants were engaging in massive fraud schemes against government programs, including allegations that up to 90 percent of welfare fraud in the state was linked to Somali individuals. Trump also accused Somali communities of misusing U.S. tax dollars to support Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, although federal investigators have found no evidence to support these claims.
At the same time, Trump’s rhetoric described Somalis as “ripping off our country” and suggested that Somali gangs were terrorizing residents and roaming the streets looking for victims. Somali-born U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar was specifically targeted, with Trump calling her derogatory names and repeating unproven claims regarding her personal life.
These accusations were followed by concrete policy actions, including the freezing of federal child care payments in Minnesota, the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Somali migrants, targeted ICE operations in Somali neighborhoods, and the exploration of measures to revoke the citizenship of naturalized Somali Americans convicted of fraud. While some claims were tied to the real 300 million dollar pandemic-era called “Feeding Our Future” fraud case, in which several defendants were of Somali descent, critics argue that Trump used the criminal conduct of a few individuals to demonize an entire community.
Somalis Are More Than the Actions of a Few
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that the behavior of a minority should not define the Somali population. “No community should be judged by the actions of a few. Somalis in the U.S. are hardworking, law-abiding, and contributing positively to society,” he said. He also highlighted that Somali immigrants have historically played an important role in promoting entrepreneurship, trade, and cultural exchange while maintaining strong ties to Somalia.
U.S.–Somalia Relations and Mutual Respect
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also underscored the importance of maintaining respectful relations with the United States while defending the dignity of Somali citizens abroad. “Somalis in America deserve respect and fair treatment. Our countries’ relationship should be built on mutual understanding, respect, and shared values,” he said, signaling a call for responsible leadership and the recognition of Somali contributions in both Somalia and the diaspora.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s statements make it clear that he will not tolerate demeaning rhetoric aimed at his people, whether inside Somalia or abroad. By addressing both Trump’s offensive remarks and the subsequent policy measures targeting Somali communities, he reaffirmed the global reputation, intelligence, and resilience of Somalis.
“No human being is garbage. No community deserves to be degraded. Somalis are proud, hardworking, and intelligent people, “the President concluded. His remarks highlight Somalia’s commitment to dignity, unity, and the fair treatment of its people, serving as a firm response to both misinformation and prejudice.