CAIR-MN Condemns President Trump’s Rhetoric Targeting Somali Americans
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) has issued several urgent condemnations following a series of statements and social media posts by President Donald Trump targeting the Somali American community. CAIR-MN argues that this rhetoric is not merely political commentary but a dangerous pattern of dehumanization that puts Muslim and immigrant communities at risk of increased hostility and discrimination.
Recent Incidents of Targeted Rhetoric
The Mall of America Social Media Post
On April 6, 2026, CAIR-MN spoke out against a post by President Trump that featured footage of Somali Americans at the Mall of America. According to CAIR-MN, the video depicted ordinary life—including families shopping and women wearing hijabs—but paired these images with “dark music” and “harmful and unsupported claims.”
Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR-MN, stated that the post was an attempt to make ordinary Somali life appear suspicious. Hussein called on political and community leaders to unequivocally denounce the rhetoric, noting that when public figures spread misinformation, it puts real people at risk.
“Low IQ” and “Disgusting Country” Remarks
The tension escalated earlier in the spring when President Trump made targeted remarks regarding the origins and intellect of Somali immigrants. On March 26, 2026, the President claimed that Somalis are “stupid” and “low IQ” people coming from a “disgusting country” and a “crooked country,” further alleging that they “rob us blind.”
In response, CAIR-MN condemned the remarks, asserting that labeling an entire minority group as intellectually inferior is a form of dehumanization. Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director of CAIR-MN, warned that such language from national leaders carries real-world consequences for families, students and workers in Minnesota.
Broader Patterns of Discrimination
CAIR-MN maintains that these incidents are part of a larger, troubling pattern. The organization has previously condemned the President’s racially charged attacks on the Somali-American community during his State of the Union address.
Beyond executive rhetoric, CAIR-MN has also targeted legislative efforts they deem discriminatory. The organization recently condemned the “Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act,” legislation introduced by Congressman Pete Stauber. CAIR-MN described the framing and the name of the bill as “discriminatory and deeply irresponsible.”
About the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization founded in June 1994 by Omar Ahmad. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., and led by Executive Director Nihad Awad, CAIR focuses on Muslim activism and combating Islamophobia across the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Recent Allegations: CAIR-MN has condemned President Trump for calling Somali Americans “stupid” and “low IQ.”
- Social Media Concerns: A recent post featuring Somali Americans at the Mall of America was criticized for using “dark music” to make ordinary life look suspicious.
- Legislative Opposition: CAIR-MN opposes the “Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act” introduced by Congressman Pete Stauber.
- Community Impact: Advocates warn that such rhetoric historically leads to an increase in harassment and bias incidents against Muslim and immigrant communities.
Looking Forward
As Minnesota remains home to one of the largest Somali populations in the United States, CAIR-MN continues to advocate for the protection of these residents. The organization emphasizes that Somali Minnesotans—including educators, healthcare workers, and business owners—are valued members of the state who contribute daily to its strength. The group continues to call for a cessation of dehumanizing language to prevent further escalation of bias-motivated incidents.