In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump claimed — without providing evidence — that “Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great state” and alleged that “billions of dollars are missing.” He also described Minnesota as a “hub of fraudulent money laundering activity,” referencing unverified media claims circulated by some Republican lawmakers suggesting that the Alshabab militant group in Somalia had benefited from fraud schemes in the state.
Trump said his order terminates TPS protections for Somali nationals in Minnesota “effective immediately.”
State reaction and political fallout
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the move, saying on X that it was “not surprising that the President has chosen to broadly target an entire community,” accusing Trump of using the decision to shift attention away from other issues.
TPS for Somalia was first introduced by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, offering temporary legal status to individuals who could not safely return home due to conflict or natural disaster.
The Biden administration had previously extended TPS for Somali nationals until March 17, 2026.
How many people does this affect?
Despite the political controversy, only 705 Somali-born individuals in the entire United States currently hold TPS status, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Most Somalis in Minnesota are U.S. citizens and will not be directly affected.
By contrast:
• Over 330,000 Haitians currently hold TPS
• More than 170,000 Salvadorans maintain TPS
• Trump has also moved to end TPS for Venezuela, Nicaragua, and other countries
Community response
Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Minnesota, called the decision “deeply disappointing,” noting that the individuals affected were legally present and had followed all requirements.
“These are legal immigrants, and they should not suffer as a consequence of a political football being played against the Muslim community,” he said, warning that the decision could tear mixed-status families apart.
Implications for U.S.–Somalia relations
Political strategist Abshir Omar — who supported Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign — said he expects the decision to be challenged in court.
He warned that the move could strain long-term ties with Somalia, which earlier this year offered the United States exclusive access to air bases and ports and expressed interest in American partnerships to explore its significant oil reserves.