Trump's Controversial Remarks on Somali Immigrants Spark Outrage

Sat Dec 20 2025 17:41:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump has ignited a national debate by labeling Somali immigrants in the U.S. as 'garbage,' drawing parallels to historical anti-immigrant rhetoric. His comments prompted backlash from communities and leaders across the nation and abroad.

In a recent Cabinet meeting, President Trump referred to Somali immigrants in the United States as 'garbage,' a comment that has sparked considerable backlash. His rhetoric is seen as part of a broader strategy to intensify anti-immigrant sentiments, resonating with certain historical prejudices. This remark comes amid ongoing debates over immigration policies and raises concerns over the implications for civic discourse and America's identity.

President Donald Trump has recently escalated his inflammatory rhetoric on immigration, explicitly calling Somali immigrants in the United States 'garbage.' During a Cabinet meeting, he stated, 'We don’t want ‘em in our country,' and suggested they should 'go back to where they came from.'

This statement has ignited outrage within both the Somali-American community and civil rights advocates. Trump's history of derogatory comments regarding immigrants, including past remarks about Mexico and African nations, raises concerns about the normalization of such language in public discourse.

His comments diverge sharply from the foundational ideals of a nation built on immigrant contributions. Beyond simply expressing distaste for specific communities, Trump's remarks have exacerbated national divisions over immigration policy and identity.

Reactions have been swift, with political figures and leaders from various sectors condemning Trump's remarks as not only xenophobic but also harmful in fostering an environment of intolerance. Somali-American leaders have expressed disappointment and alarm, stressing that such rhetoric only perpetuates division and stigma against immigrant populations.

Experts warn that Trump's approach represents a significant shift in political discourse surrounding immigration, marking a departure from some traditional Republican stances toward a more extreme viewpoint. As the country grapples with deep-seated issues of race and belonging, Trump's comments may further complicate efforts towards unity and understanding.