Trump’s Remarks on Minnesota Governor Amid Welfare Fraud Scandal
On Sunday, President Donald Trump referred to Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz as “retarded” following revelations about welfare fraud in the state’s Somali community.
In a Truth Social post from November 27, Trump criticized Walz for failing to intervene as funds were allegedly funneled by Somali residents to the terrorist organization al-Shabaab. He reiterated his concerns about Walz, suggesting there’s “something wrong” with him. “Anyone who allows this, who lets those people settle in his state and sends billions to Somalia—well, that’s not right,” Trump stated. He expressed disbelief over how Somalia, which he claimed doesn’t even function as a country, continues to receive U.S. aid.
Additionally, a member of the Minnesota Somali community was implicated in diverting significant funds to a terrorist group known for attacks that have killed at least 11 Americans. This individual was convicted in connection with plotting a 9/11-style attack in the U.S. in November 2024.
On Friday, Trump declared he would terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for many Somalis currently residing in Minnesota, labeling the state a “center of illicit money laundering activities.”
“Somali gangs are putting fear into this great country, and there are billions unaccounted for. They should go back to where they came from. It’s done!” Trump asserted.
In response, officials in Minnesota held Walz accountable for a “series of systemic failures” that allowed the situation to escalate.
The Somali population in Minnesota is estimated to be around 79,000, making it the largest Somali community in any U.S. state from 2019 to 2023.
