Trump’s anti-Somali rhetoric ‘scary,’ say officials

US President Donald Trump speaks as he attends a “Summer Soiree” held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, US, on June 4, 2025. 

Photo credit: Reuters

Somalia government officials have avoided responding to US President Donald Trump’s targeted speeches on the immigration status of Somalis there, hoping to de-escalate.

Since last week, the US leader has accused Somali immigrants of contributing little to the US, defrauding the public and coming in under opaque immigration protocols.