The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Minnesota chapter (CAIR-MN) today once again condemned the latest bigoted remarks by President Trump targeting the Somali community in Minnesota.
During remarks at the White House today, the President incorrectly referred to Somalis as “Somalians.” He said that “low IQ” Somali-Americans had not committed fraud but that others had “worked it out” and done so.
VIDEO: President Trump Smears ‘Somalians’ as ‘Low IQ People’
VIDEO: CAIR-MN Deputy Director Responds to Trump’s Smears Targeting the Somali Community
In a statement, CAIR-MN Deputy Executive Director Suleiman Adan said:
“Today’s bigoted comments by President Trump echo the worst kind of political fear-mongering. That language dehumanizes Somali, Muslim and immigrant families who are our neighbors, coworkers and classmates.
“When he smears an entire ethnic community, it does more than mislead. It gives cover and legitimacy to an Islamophobic, xenophobic and openly racist campaign targeting our state and our communities. Somali Americans still believe in what the American flag stands for and what the Constitution promises. And we will overcome.”
Earlier this month, CAIR-MN called on law enforcement authorities and public officials to take concrete actions to protect Somali-American day care centers and businesses that have been targeted with threats and harassment as children return to these centers in the wake of the holiday season ending.
Last month, CAIR-MN called for an investigation of a possible bias motive for a reported act of vandalism targeting a Somali-run day care in Minneapolis.
[NOTE: Over the past three years, Minnesota has faced the worst level of mosque attacks in the nation, with more than 40 incidents and over $3 million in damages. Arson has been on the rise, with six separate incidents in recent years, including three serious arsons.]
CAIR-MN has previously condemned racist and dishonest attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar and the broader Somali-American community and has repeatedly warned that such rhetoric can lead to harassment, discrimination, and violence.
CAIR-MN: Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer calls for deportation of Somali-American citizens – CBS
CAIR-MN: Trump administration freezes child care payments to Minnesota amid federal investigation into alleged fraud – CNN
Last year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide.
CAIR-MN is the state’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACTS: Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director, CAIR-MN, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com; Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN — 612-408-7183, sadan@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com