CAIR-MN condemns Trump remarks about Somali Americans as racist
The group urged elected officials and community leaders to reject language that disparages entire nations or ethnic groups, and instead affirm the dignity and contributions of Somali Americans alongside other immigrant communities.
Saturday March 28, 2026
Minneapolis (AX) — The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) on Tuesday sharply condemned remarks by President Donald Trump that it said were racist and demeaning toward Somali Americans and toward Somalia.
- Advertisement -
In a written statement, CAIR-MN challenged what it described as Trump’s characterization of Minnesota as “Somalia-oriented,” along with derogatory comments aimed at Somali immigrants and their country of origin. The civil rights organization argued that rhetoric like this fuels discrimination and hostility toward Somali Americans and other minority communities.
“Labeling an entire people ‘low IQ’ and ‘stupid’ goes beyond heated campaign talk—it amounts to dehumanization,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-MN. “Somali Minnesotans are valued members of our state. They run businesses, teach in classrooms, work in health care, study in schools, and serve as public employees who help strengthen Minnesota every day.”
Minnesota has one of the largest Somali populations in the United States. CAIR-MN warned that incendiary rhetoric directed at Somali and Muslim communities has historically been followed by rising levels of harassment, threats, and bias incidents.
“Messages from national leaders have real-world consequences,” said Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director of CAIR-MN. “When public figures use language that portrays Somali people as inferior, it puts families, students, and workers in danger. We will continue to oppose rhetoric that undermines the dignity and safety of our communities.”
The group urged elected officials and community leaders to reject language that disparages entire nations or ethnic groups, and instead affirm the dignity and contributions of Somali Americans alongside other immigrant communities.
CAIR-MN is the Minnesota branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a U.S.-based civil rights and advocacy organization that works to safeguard civil liberties, increase understanding of Islam, and advance justice and mutual understanding.