Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
President Donald Trump on Wednesday carried his long-running criticism of Somali migrants onto the global stage, using remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to question the intelligence and integrity of a community that has frequently been the focus of his rhetoric. Speaking to an audience of world leaders and business executives, Trump referenced a fraud case in Minnesota involving several Somali residents and used it to make broad and offensive claims about Somali immigrants as a whole.
During his speech, Trump suggested that Somalis were “higher-IQ than we thought,” after previously describing them as “low-IQ people,” and questioned how they could have carried out large-scale fraud. His comments immediately drew criticism for stereotyping an entire community based on the alleged actions of a few individuals. Community advocates say such remarks are not only insulting but also dangerous, as they often lead to harassment, threats, and fear among targeted groups.
Trump’s statements in Davos reflect a pattern seen throughout both of his presidencies, where harsh language directed at immigrants from majority-Black countries has been followed by policies that negatively affect large numbers of people. Andre Perry, a senior researcher at the Brookings Institution, warned that Trump’s words should not be dismissed as casual or impulsive. He said the president’s rhetoric often signals future policy decisions, arguing that what sounds like provocation is frequently a preview of real government action.
This is not the first time Trump has made controversial remarks about immigrants from Africa or the Caribbean. In 2018, he was widely criticized for referring to several African nations, as well as Haiti and El Salvador, as “shithole countries.” More recently, during a 2024 presidential debate, he repeated false claims about Haitian immigrants in Ohio, accusing them of harming local communities. These statements have been repeatedly debunked but continue to shape public perception.
Trump’s focus on the Somali community in Minnesota dates back to at least 2016, when he linked a violent incident involving one individual to broader concerns about Somali immigrants. Somali leaders say this ignores the reality of a community that largely arrived in the United States legally after fleeing decades of civil war, political instability, and recurring droughts in their homeland. Many Somali Americans have built businesses, raised families, and become active participants in civic life.
Jaylani Hussein, a Somali American leader in Minnesota, said Trump’s comments are less about immigration status and more about race. He argued that the president consistently targets Black immigrant communities, including Somalis and Haitians, regardless of whether they are citizens, refugees, or long-term residents. Hussein also noted that some Somali Americans supported Trump in the 2024 election, highlighting the diversity of political views within the community.
At the same time, voting data shows shifts in political support among Somali and other East African communities. In parts of Minneapolis with large East African populations, Democratic support declined compared with previous elections. Nationally, Trump gained some ground among Black voters between 2020 and 2024, though his overall approval rating among Black Americans has since fallen sharply.
The White House defended Trump’s remarks, with a spokesperson arguing that immigrants who fail to contribute economically or integrate into American society should not remain in the country. However, critics say such statements unfairly paint entire communities as burdens rather than acknowledging their contributions.
Trump’s immigration agenda has increasingly focused on restriction and enforcement. His administration recently announced plans to pause visa processing from dozens of countries, many of them in Africa and the Caribbean. It has also expanded immigration enforcement operations in states with sizable African immigrant populations, including Maine, Minnesota, and Illinois. Refugee admissions have been sharply reduced, with critics pointing out apparent racial bias in the few exceptions that have been made.
Historians note that the language used against Somali immigrants today echoes past attacks on other Black immigrant groups. According to scholars, stereotypes portraying Black migrants as criminal or unworthy have been used for decades to justify exclusionary policies. They warn that without accountability, such rhetoric risks deepening division and normalizing discrimination.