At a Glance
- President Trump’s post accuses Somali immigrants and Rep. Ilhan Omar of fraud.
- Federal child-care payments to Minnesota have been frozen amid investigations.
- Trump claims up to 90% of Minnesota fraud comes from Somali immigrants and calls for terminating TPS.
- Why it matters: The accusations have triggered state and federal responses, raising questions about immigration policy and federal aid.
President Donald Trump’s latest Truth Social post has reignited a heated debate over Somali immigrants in Minnesota, sparking federal investigations, a freeze on child-care payments, and a controversial push to end Temporary Protected Status.
Trump’s Accusations
Trump called Somali immigrants “scammers” and “lowlifes,” saying they are responsible for up to 90% of fraud in Minnesota. He also labeled Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American congresswoman, as a “scammer” and urged her to be removed from office.
President Trump announced:
> Much of the Minnesota Fraud, up to 90%, is caused by people that came into our Country, illegally, from Somalia. ‘Congresswoman’ Omar, an ungrateful loser who only complains and never contributes, is one of the many scammers.
President Trump added:
> Lowlifes like this can only be a liability to our Country’s greatness. Send them back from where they came, Somalia, perhaps the worst, and most corrupt, country on earth.
President Trump wrote:
> I am, as President of the United States, hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS Program) for Somalis in Minnesota. Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It’s OVER!
Federal Response
The FBI has increased resources in Minnesota after reviewing videos from influencer Nick Shirley, who alleges widespread fraud in child-care centers. Health and Human Services froze all federal child-care payments to the state.
- FBI increased resources in Minnesota following videos by Nick Shirley.
- HHS froze federal child-care payments to Minnesota.
- DOJ had previously indicted individuals in 2022 for a $250 million child-nutrition fraud scheme.
State and Congressional Reactions
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized Trump’s actions, calling them a political strategy to defund programs. Rep. Ilhan Omar defended Somali TPS holders, calling Trump’s threat a legal and dangerous move.
Governor Tim Walz wrote on X:
> This is Trump’s long game. We’ve spent years cracking down on fraudsters. It’s a serious issue – but this has been his plan all along. He’s politicizing the issue to defund programs that help Minnesotans.
Governor Walz added:
> My message remains clear: If you threaten everything that makes our state a great place to live by committing fraud in Minnesota, you will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Rep. Ilhan Omar posted on X:
> Somali TPS holders are our neighbors, coworkers, and small business owners. They’ve built their lives here. I led members of Congress in demanding answers on the administration’s legally dubious and dangerous threats.
Rep. Omar also wrote:
> Trump’s obsession with me is beyond weird. He needs serious help. Since he has no economic policies to tout, he’s resorting to regurgitating bigoted…
Policy Implications
Trump’s announcement to terminate TPS is not unilateral; it would require the Secretary of Homeland Security. The administration also mentioned denaturalization as a tool, though the process requires court proceedings.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said:
> We’re also not afraid to use denaturalization. That’s a tool at the president and the secretary of state’s disposal, and it’s one this administration has previously used before.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November | Trump announces termination of TPS for Somalis in Minnesota |
| Monday | FBI Director confirms increased resources after Nick Shirley videos |
| Tuesday | HHS freezes federal child-care payments to Minnesota |
| Wednesday | Leavitt declares fraud crackdown a top priority |
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s accusations target Somali immigrants and Rep. Omar, claiming up to 90% of Minnesota fraud is from Somalia.
- Federal agencies have frozen child-care payments and increased investigative resources.
- Minnesota officials, including Gov. Walz and Rep. Omar, have strongly opposed the president’s actions.
The clash over Somali immigrants and fraud allegations continues to strain federal and state relations, with Trump’s rhetoric prompting significant policy moves and strong pushback from Minnesota officials.
