Hundreds of Somalis took to the streets of Mogadishu Friday night to protest after U.S. President Donald Trump called Somali immigrants in the United States “garbage.”
The demonstrations came after Trump’s controversial comments during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where he insulted Somali Americans and targeted Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
Protesters condemn Trump’s comments
Protesters held banners reading “No discrimination. No racism” and displayed pictures of Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Minnesota Democrat and vocal Trump critic.
Ibrahim Muhidin, one of the demonstrators, said in Somali:
“We came out tonight to defend the Somali cause and to react to the defamation and insult from the U.S. government, especially Mr. Trump’s recent remarks that humiliated Somalis. We are here to condemn both Trump and his government, and to make it clear that his comments do not define us as Somalis.”
Ridwan Mohamud, another protester, added:
“We are protesting against Trump’s insulting words calling us garbage. We are not garbage. He is the one who is trash. Since he failed in his politics, he is trying to divert public attention.”
Trump’s remarks spark international outrage
Trump described Somali Americans as “coming from hell” and “contributing nothing.” He repeated that the U.S. should send them “back to where they came from and fix it.”
He also singled out Ilhan Omar, calling her and her friends “garbage.” These comments drew condemnation both in the U.S. and in Somalia, igniting protests from Minneapolis to Mogadishu.
Somali pride and dignity on display
Fadumo Ahmed, a protester in Mogadishu, said:
“Trump has violated our dignity and we will not accept what he called us. We are Somalis, and we have our own pride. He does not understand this.”
Demonstrators chanted anti-Trump slogans and emphasized Somali pride and identity, sending a clear message that the president’s words do not define them.
The rally highlights growing anger among Somali communities worldwide and continues a global conversation about respect, immigration, and racial dignity.