Trump Urges Minnesotans To ‘Fight Back’ Against Somali Immigrants Who ‘View You As Weak And Stupid’

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Minnesotans to "fight back" against the state's Somali community, escalating his long-running attacks on the group and appearing to encourage residents to take matters into their own hands.

"The once Great State of Minnesota is being taken over by Somali Immigrants. There is Violence, Murder, and Mayhem all over the State. The people of Minnesota must fight back," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The post repeatedly urged residents to act, ending with "Fight back Minnesota, fight back!" and a promise that "the Federal Government will come to your rescue" if needed.

The post marked a shift in tone even by the standards of Trump's past remarks about Somali Minnesotans. Rather than announcing a policy or criticizing officials, the president directly urged ordinary residents to confront members of an ethnic community, telling them Somalis "view you as weak and stupid people."

Trump also attacked Gov. Tim Walz, calling him "an incompetent thief" who wants to "get out of town with as much as he can steal."

The president said Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey must "immediately ask for Federal help" and "leave the rest to us."

The post came one day after federal officials announced charges against Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, an 18-year-old Somali American man accused of plotting a terror attack at the Mall of America.

It also followed several recent incidents that law enforcement has linked to Somali gang activity, including a shooting at an Eden Prairie football game.

Advocates warned the post could put Somali Minnesotans in danger. The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Trump’s remarks early Friday as “blatant racism and an implicit call for violence against an entire community.”

“President Trump is placing a target on the backs of Somali Americans,” CAIR-Minnesota Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said in a statement. “His words are not simply political rhetoric. They are a dangerous invitation to hatred and potentially violence. Minnesota has led the nation in attacks on mosques, including fire-bombings. We know firsthand what happens when hateful rhetoric turns into violence.”

The group called on elected officials from both parties to denounce the post and urged local, state and federal authorities to strengthen security around mosques, Somali American businesses and community centers. It also encouraged mosques and Somali American organizations to increase safety measures and report all threats.

“Somali Americans are not outsiders. They are Minnesotans,” Hussein said.