Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s decision to deliver part of his re-election victory speech in Somali has sparked fierce criticism, especially among conservative commentators. Many see this act as a deliberate attempt to win favor with the city’s sizable Somali immigrant community while neglecting broader American principles. The incident has ignited renewed conversation about issues such as assimilation, language use, and national loyalty in political discourse.
In a recent election speech, Frey, a Democrat serving his third term, chose to address his Somali constituents directly by speaking their language for nearly a minute. He referenced cities in Somalia, including Bosaso, Mogadishu, and Hargeisa, emphasizing that “Minneapolis is a place where you come to seek prosperity.” He called for unity within the community, stating, “This election means this is a moment for unity, where the entire Somali community can come together and say, ‘This is our people. This is our city.’” However, this focus on a specific ethnic group led to backlash.
Critics voiced their anger quickly. A now-viral tweet captured the essence of the criticism, stating, “The Democrat Mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey is being brutally mocked for pretending to enjoy a Somali meal to stick it to Donald Trump… He can move to Somalia if he loves them so much. GET THEM ALL OUT!” Such comments reflect a broader sentiment among those who feel Frey’s actions prioritize a segmented immigrant vote over national unity.
Prominent figures in conservative media joined in the denouncement. Influencer Paul Szypula labeled Frey’s approach as “insane pandering.” Podcaster Gerry Callahan went further, expressing his belief that it was an “American politician… prostrating himself in front of a bunch of foreigners.” Daily Wire commentator Matt Walsh suggested that politicians should be required to speak English when delivering public addresses.
This is not the first instance of Frey’s outreach to the Somali community raising eyebrows. Just a few months earlier, he faced scrutiny when his campaign released a Somali-language advertisement aimed at voters. At that time, Republican Rep. Chip Roy demanded that this practice be halted, underscoring the contentious political climate surrounding such outreach efforts.
Minneapolis hosts the largest Somali community in the United States, with approximately 84,000 Somali Americans residing there. Many came to the U.S. fleeing the civil war in their homeland during the 1990s and have since established vibrant neighborhoods and businesses. Yet, critics argue that this community has become a pawn in the electoral strategies of Democratic leaders like Frey, heightening divisions rather than fostering unity among American citizens.
Frey’s recent speech was essential in consolidating support after a narrowly won election. His main opponent, Omar Fateh, garnered significant backing from figures such as Rep. Ilhan Omar and the Democratic Socialists. Frey’s actions demonstrate how tightly knit the political landscape has become within the context of ethnic identity—a stronghold for Democrats that may come at the expense of overall civic unity.
Critics of Frey argue that thanking an entire ethnic group in their native language—and labeling Minneapolis as “their city”—can alienate those who believe English should remain the standard for official political communication. Callahan remarked, “When Trump says America first, he’s mocked… But when a mayor says Minneapolis belongs to Somalia, not a word.” This juxtaposition reveals perceived hypocrisy in the reactions to differing approaches to identity in politics.
Former President Trump has a history of targeting the Somali community in his rhetoric, often using derogatory language. His comments about Somali immigrants in Minnesota have been harsh, asserting that “Somalians should be out of here. They’ve destroyed our country.” His disdain has only heightened scrutiny on Minneapolis’s Somali population, particularly in light of reports concerning federal immigration enforcement.
For Somali Americans, the juxtaposition of Frey’s actions and Trump’s statements creates a complicated environment. Local entrepreneur Hamse Warfa openly countered Trump’s remarks, asserting his identity as an American citizen while lamenting the negative impact such rhetoric has on his family. “I would rather spend time with my daughter thinking about college… instead of being spoken about as garbage by the president of the United States,” he expressed, showing the personal toll of political division.
Critics of Frey are left to ponder whether his outreach strengthens tribalism rather than promotes national unity. An anonymous local official who spoke on the matter stated, “Whether you’re from Bosaso or Baghdad shouldn’t matter. American mayors should lead in English.” This perspective resonates with a larger faction that questions the viability of multiculturalism in political leadership and wonders whether engagement should evolve into division.
Minneapolis’s Somali community serves as a case study of how refugee resettlement intersects with local governance. However, many allege that Frey’s actions have shifted from welcoming to exploitative, as he leverages cultural signals for electoral gains without addressing pressing community issues such as crime and economic opportunity. In areas with a strong Somali presence, these challenges remain critical.
The uproar over Frey’s speech highlights broader national themes surrounding American identity and political engagement. Questions arise: What does it mean to be American, and at what point does outreach cross into cultural division?
A conservative Minnesota city council member articulated this concern succinctly: “It’s about whether American leaders will prioritize America or patch together votes from communities they hope will never assimilate.” The debate surrounding Frey’s decision serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between embracing diversity and fostering a unified national identity. Whether this move was politically astute or tone-deaf remains to be seen, yet it underscores the contentious nature of identity in contemporary city politics.
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