President Trump says Somalis are ‘stupid,’ ‘low IQ’ people from a ‘disgusting country’
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 3/26/26) — The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today condemned racist remarks targeting Somali Americans and Somalia by President Donald Trump.
He falsely claimed: “In the case of Minnesota, it’s very Somalia-oriented…These people come from a crooked country, disgusting country, one of the worst countries in the world…They come to our country – low IQs – and they rob us blind. Stupid people, and they rob us blind.”
VIDEO: President Trump Says Somalis are ‘Stupid,’ ‘Low IQ’ People from a ‘Disgusting Country’
CAIR-MN said language that demeans an entire minority and country, and labels its people as intellectually inferior, is dangerous and contributes to an environment in which Somali Americans face increased hostility and discrimination.
“Calling an entire people ‘low IQ’ and ‘stupid’ is not just political rhetoric. It is dehumanization,” said Jaylani Hussein, Executive Director of CAIR-MN. “Somali Minnesotans are valued members of our state. They are business owners, educators, health care workers, students, and public servants who contribute every day to the strength of Minnesota.”
CAIR-MN noted that Minnesota is home to one of the largest Somali populations in the United States, and rhetoric targeting Somali people has historically been followed by increases in harassment, threats, and bias incidents directed at Muslim and immigrant communities.
“Words from national leaders carry real consequences,” said Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director of CAIR-MN. “When public figures use language that portrays Somali people as inferior, it places real families, students, and workers at risk. We will continue to stand firmly against rhetoric that threatens the dignity and safety of our communities.”
CAIR-MN called on elected officials and community leaders across the country to publicly reject language that dehumanizes entire nations or peoples and to affirm the dignity of Somali Americans and all immigrant communities.
About CAIR-MN
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) is a civil rights and advocacy organization dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil liberties, empowering American Muslims, and building coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Suleiman Adan
Deputy Executive Director, CAIR-MN
612-408-7183
Jaylani Hussein
Executive Direcotr
612-406-0070