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Mogadishu (HOL) — U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned the need for ongoing American military operations in Somalia and Kenya, saying that the U.S. should be more focused on threats at home. Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on Tuesday, Trump argued that decades of foreign deployments had pulled U.S. forces away from domestic security needs.
“For years, politicians assumed our job was to police the far reaches of Kenya and Somalia while America itself faces an invasion,” Trump said. He did not clarify what he meant by “invasion,” only adding that the adversary at home was harder to identify because “they don’t wear uniforms.”
Trump also announced plans to send more federal forces to American cities as part of a shift in priorities. However, he did not say whether this change in focus would affect U.S. counterterrorism missions in East Africa, where operations against the al-Shabab militant group have been a long-standing priority.
The U.S. military, through Africa Command, has carried out airstrikes and partnered operations with Somali and Kenyan forces in recent months to weaken al-Shabab. These efforts have included supporting Somalia’s elite Danab Brigade, a special unit trained and equipped by the United States. Washington has committed roughly $3 billion over the past decade to strengthen Somalia’s security through training, equipment, and joint operations.
Although Trump significantly reduced U.S. involvement in Somalia during his previous time in office, the Biden administration reestablished a small but steady American presence in 2022. This return was focused mainly on advisory and counterterror roles. In 2024, the U.S. signed an agreement to build up to five new military bases for the Somali National Army, aiming to help the country better defend itself against al-Shabab’s insurgency.
Kenya has also been an important U.S. security partner in the region. In May 2024, the U.S. designated Kenya a “major non-NATO ally” during President William Ruto’s visit to Washington. The status gave Kenya expanded access to U.S. training, equipment, and defense financing. The two countries also operate under a 2023–2028 defense cooperation framework, and the U.S. continues to maintain a military presence at Manda Bay in Kenya, a hub for regional counterterrorism operations.
However, these partnerships could now face uncertainty. The Trump administration has launched a review of U.S. commitments in East Africa after Congressman James Risch proposed changes to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Any adjustment to the law could reshape the scope and scale of America’s involvement in Somalia and Kenya.
The U.S. has maintained a limited but strategic footprint in both countries, providing airpower, intelligence, and training support to partner forces. These efforts have been central to weakening al-Shabab, which remains one of al-Qaida’s most active affiliates. But with Trump’s remarks highlighting a shift in priorities toward domestic concerns, questions are emerging about the future of U.S. military engagement in the Horn of Africa.
For Somalia and Kenya, American support has been key to holding back al-Shabab’s influence and ensuring regional stability. If Washington scales back its role, it could affect not only military operations but also broader security cooperation across East Africa. For now, Somali and Kenyan leaders, along with U.S. military officials, are waiting to see whether Trump’s words will translate into concrete policy changes on the ground.