On Thursday, President Donald Trump addressed Minnesotans, urging them to ‘fight back’ against Somali immigrants in their state. This followed the announcement of charges by federal officials against a Somali American man allegedly involved in a terror attack plot at the Mall of America.
In a post made on Truth Social, the president expressed concern over what he described as the state being ‘taken over’ by Somali immigrants. He mentioned ‘violence, murder, and mayhem all over the state’ and encouraged residents to take action against these developments.
“You have been robbed, and abandoned by your State Government. Your Governor is an incompetent thief who doesn’t want to get involved. He just wants to get out of town with as much as he can steal, and then, lead a quiet life,” Trump said. “The Somalians should not be allowed to get away with what they are doing. They view you as weak and stupid people. Fight back Minnesota, fight back!”
These remarks came shortly after the FBI and Department of Justice announced the arrest of Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud. The 18-year-old U.S. citizen of Somali heritage was accused of conversing online with a source for almost two years about joining a Foreign Terrorist Organization in Somalia, intending to carry out an attack in Minnesota.
President Trump has been vocal in his opposition to Democratic Governor Tim Walz’s handling of alleged fraud involving the Somali community. In late 2025, a significant immigration enforcement operation took place across Minneapolis and St. Paul, resulting in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for clarification on the president’s remarks. Additionally, Democratic officials including Governor Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar were contacted for comments. This story is developing, with updates to follow.