Trump brands Somalia ‘Garbage Country’ and Calls for Somalis to Leave the US
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Lucas Fernandez, World Today News
Former President Donald Trump made highly controversial remarks on Tuesday, denigrating Somalia and calling for Somalis residing in the United States to leave. The statements, delivered during a public appearance, drew immediate criticism and sparked renewed debate over immigration policy and rhetoric.
Details of the Remarks
The comments arose during a response to a question regarding Minnesota governor Tim Walz. According to reports, Trump stated, “You look at what he’s done with Somalia where Somalia, which is barely a country – they have no anything, they just run around killing each other.” He then referenced Representative Ilhan Omar,stating he has “watched her complain about our Constitution for years.”
Trump continued with a sweeping generalization about Somali americans, asserting, “They (Somalis) contribute nothing. The welfare is like 88% or something. They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country.” He further added, ”Their country is no good for a reason. Your country stinks and we don’t want them in our country.”
Context of the Statements
The former president’s remarks came shortly after his administration announced a temporary halt to all asylum decisions following an incident involving a shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington D.C. While the suspect in that shooting is reportedly from Afghanistan, Trump used the event to raise broader questions about immigration from various nations, specifically including Somalia.
This incident and the subsequent pause in asylum processing have fueled ongoing discussions about border security and immigration policies within the United States.
Reactions to Trump’s Comments
As of this writing, responses to Trump’s statements have been swift and largely critical. Advocates for immigrant rights have condemned the remarks as xenophobic and harmful. Further reactions from political figures and organizations are expected in the coming days.
Background and trends in US Immigration Debate
The debate surrounding immigration in the United States is a long-standing and complex issue. Historically, periods of economic uncertainty or national security concerns have often been accompanied by increased scrutiny of immigration policies and heightened anti-immigrant sentiment. Recent trends show a continued polarization of views on immigration, with differing perspectives on the economic and social impacts of immigration, as well as the appropriate levels of border security.
Somalia has faced decades of political instability and humanitarian crises, leading to significant emigration. The Somali diaspora in the United States is a growing community, with many seeking refuge from conflict and poverty. Understanding the ancient and political context of both US immigration policy and the situation in Somalia is crucial for a nuanced understanding of this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did Donald Trump say about Somalia?
- Donald Trump referred to Somalia as a “garbage country” and stated that Somalis should leave the United States, claiming they contribute nothing to the country.
- When did Trump make these comments?
- The remarks were made on Tuesday, February 29, 2024, during a public appearance.
- What prompted Trump’s comments about Somalia?
- The comments came in response to a question about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and followed the administration’s declaration of a pause in asylum decisions after a shooting incident in Washington D.C.
- What has been the reaction to Trump’s statements?
- The statements have been widely criticized as xenophobic and harmful by immigrant rights advocates.
