US President Trump has unleashed a shocking new low with his vitriolic anti-Somali tirade, sparking widespread outrage and highlighting the depths of his bigotry. Last week's cabinet meeting saw Trump, struggling to stay awake, launch into a verbal assault on Somali immigrants, many of whom are refugees fleeing the country's long-running civil conflict.
The president's remarks were particularly egregious in targeting Representative Ilhan Omar, a 25-year-old refugee from Somalia who became a US citizen. Trump called her "garbage" and suggested that Somali immigrants were unfit for America, describing them as people who "do nothing but complain". He also inaccurately claimed that they don't work.
Trump's comments echoed those of his adviser Stephen Miller, who recently cast doubt on the possibility of assimilation by immigrants from troubled countries. Miller described migrants as representing the conditions and terrors of their broken homelands, suggesting a kind of genetic or ontological incapacity for democratic governance.
The backlash has been swift, with many condemning Trump's remarks as racist and xenophobic. The Somali American community in Minnesota, where over 80,000 ethnic Somalis live, has been particularly devastated by the crackdowns and ICE targeting. Local businesses are suffering as a result, with many members of the community afraid to leave their homes.
Despite his frequent reliance on racism to rally his base, Trump's latest comments may be yet another sign of his weakness. His approval rating continues to fall, the economy is still struggling, and his own effectiveness is waning. In an effort to reinvigorate his base, he has turned to bigotry and resentment, but it seems that this strategy is losing its potency.
Even Ilhan Omar, who has faced serious threats to her safety after some of Trump's previous comments, seemed unimpressed by his latest tirade. Responding on social media, she said "I hope he gets the help he desperately needs".
The incident highlights the enduring impact of Trump's presidency, which has been marked by a persistent and toxic level of racism. As his approval rating continues to slip, it remains to be seen whether he can find a way to reinvigorate his base or if his own divisive rhetoric will ultimately be his downfall.
The president's remarks were particularly egregious in targeting Representative Ilhan Omar, a 25-year-old refugee from Somalia who became a US citizen. Trump called her "garbage" and suggested that Somali immigrants were unfit for America, describing them as people who "do nothing but complain". He also inaccurately claimed that they don't work.
Trump's comments echoed those of his adviser Stephen Miller, who recently cast doubt on the possibility of assimilation by immigrants from troubled countries. Miller described migrants as representing the conditions and terrors of their broken homelands, suggesting a kind of genetic or ontological incapacity for democratic governance.
The backlash has been swift, with many condemning Trump's remarks as racist and xenophobic. The Somali American community in Minnesota, where over 80,000 ethnic Somalis live, has been particularly devastated by the crackdowns and ICE targeting. Local businesses are suffering as a result, with many members of the community afraid to leave their homes.
Despite his frequent reliance on racism to rally his base, Trump's latest comments may be yet another sign of his weakness. His approval rating continues to fall, the economy is still struggling, and his own effectiveness is waning. In an effort to reinvigorate his base, he has turned to bigotry and resentment, but it seems that this strategy is losing its potency.
Even Ilhan Omar, who has faced serious threats to her safety after some of Trump's previous comments, seemed unimpressed by his latest tirade. Responding on social media, she said "I hope he gets the help he desperately needs".
The incident highlights the enduring impact of Trump's presidency, which has been marked by a persistent and toxic level of racism. As his approval rating continues to slip, it remains to be seen whether he can find a way to reinvigorate his base or if his own divisive rhetoric will ultimately be his downfall.
this is so sad what's going on with trump its like hes lost touch with reality somali ppl are just trying to make a new life for themselves they deserve respect not hate we need to stand up against this kind of bigotry and racism in our country it's time for us to take a stand and demand more from our leaders especially when it comes to issues of immigration and diversity
this is so sad 
. Trump's comments towards Somali immigrants are just heartbreaking 
It's like he's trying to divide us instead of bringing us together 
. And now Ilhan Omar is facing threats to her safety? That's just crazy 
. But you know what really gets me? The fact that people are still falling for his tricks and hate speech 
. Like, we should be smarter than this 
. Trump's approval rating keeps going down and it's like he's realizing his own racism is hurting him 
. Maybe he'll finally get the help he needs 
. But until then, I'm gonna keep spreading love and positivity 
. We can't let hate win 
!
somali immigrants are people too, not just targets for hate speech. ilhan omar's reaction tho 
seems like she's more chill than most ppl would be in her shoes. anyway, his approval rating keeps dropping and the economy still struggling... guess his racism strategy is losing steam 
I'm not buying the whole "he's weak" thing, you know? Trump's just playing the master manipulator game, using racism to get those sweet sweet Twitter likes 
. Newsflash: it's not gonna work this time around. Ilhan Omar's response was fire 
, and the fact that she's still standing after all the hate he's thrown her way is a total testament to her strength.
This guy's got no filter, but somehow we're supposed to believe he's just "weak"? Please. He's been doing this for years and it's only getting worse.
.
. I've been following this story and it's crazy how fast the Somali community in Minnesota is getting hit with the consequences of his words - local businesses shutting down because people won't leave their homes? It's like he's literally trying to tear communities apart.
.
. I get that we all have opinions, but to call someone "garbage" is just disgusting 
. And it's not like Somali immigrants are all bad, some of them are refugees who've been through hell and back, you know? They deserve respect and understanding, not a verbal assault 
. The Somali American community in Minnesota is already feeling the effects of his words, and it's heartbreaking 
! I'm all about free speech and debating, but this kind of hate speech is just gross. The fact that he's targeting innocent people fleeing war and violence just because of their nationality is literally shameful. And to think, some ppl actually believe he's a leader 
and it's clear his "divisive rhetoric" isn't working out 
– I hope he gets the help he needs, for real 
somali ppl r just tryna make a living in america and he's out here dissin them? it's so sad that rep ilhan omar had to deal with threats to her safety again... 
.
Trump is just getting more and more out of control, and it's heartbreaking how hurtful he's being to people who are already struggling so much. Ilhan Omar is an amazing woman, and she deserves so much respect! 
I'm not surprised that her community is being devastated by these comments, though - racism has been a part of this country for way too long. 
... anyway, his ratings keep slipping and the economy still struggling so maybe this time he'll finally realize that being a racist isn't gonna save him from getting voted out 
...can't he see that? 
...I love how she fired back at Trump with some real sass 
... maybe this is a wake-up call for him to change his ways 
...wishful thinking, I guess 
...we need more love and acceptance 
anyway, this whole thing is a major embarrassment for him and for america, let's hope we can get through the rest of his term without too much more damage done