President Trump made headlines on Tuesday with a fierce critique of Somalia and its culture while highlighting his administration’s achievements in ending refugee admissions from nations he once dubbed “sh*tholes.” During a press briefing that lasted nearly two hours, Trump opened with a speech that recapped his time in office, including a notable focus on illegal immigration.
For over twenty minutes, the President displayed mugshots of illegal aliens, many from Minnesota. He took a hard stance on immigration, asserting that under his leadership, no illegal aliens had entered the United States. Trump highlighted a colossal stack of papers filled with his administration’s accomplishments, but his focus quickly returned to the subject of Somalia.
He emphasized his decision to halt refugee admissions completely, specifically mentioning Somalia as a “terrible, terrible place.” Trump criticized the country’s lack of stability and infrastructure. “I don’t even think it’s a country,” he claimed, describing it as a chaotic place where people primarily engage in violence and piracy. He recounted the issue of Somali pirates, elaborating on how they operate with impunity, targeting large oil tankers due to the significant risks involved in resisting their attacks.
The President did not shy away from personal disdain for Somali Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), stating, “I can’t stand her.” He framed her background as representative of Somalia, calling it a “backward country” and questioned its status as a legitimate nation. Trump’s remarks suggested frustration over what he perceives as her attempts to influence policies in the United States. “She’ll come here, and then she wants to tell us how to run our country,” he remarked, alluding to her arguments regarding constitutional rights.
The administration has also put a halt to visa processing for nationals from 75 countries seen as “high risk” for public benefits usage. Somalia features prominently on this list, reflecting a broader strategy to curb immigration from certain regions considered problematic.
Trump’s comments, laden with strong language, reflect his administration’s strict approach to immigration and are likely to stir reactions across various segments of society. His portrayal of Somalia and Omar illustrates not only his priorities but also his willingness to engage controversially with the issues of illegal immigration and national security.
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