Trump calls Somali community 'pirates,' prompting shouts from Rep. Ilhan Omar during State of the Union address

Sydney Kashiwagi, The Minnesota Star Tribune on Feb 24, 2026

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President Donald Trump zoomed in on Minnesota’s Somali community during his Tuesday night State of the Union address, calling them “pirates” who have “ransacked Minnesota” and cited an unproven claim that they have carried out $19 billion in fraud.

His remarks prompted sharp rebuke from Somali American Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who called him a “liar.”

“When it comes to the corruption that is ... plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota — where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion dollars from the American taxpayer," Trump said.

“That’s a lie ... you’re lying,” Omar shouted back in response to Trump’s claim.

Prosecutors say stolen funds could total $9 billion, though the Minnesota Star Tribune has found that alleged fraud uncovered so far in some state programs is closer to $200 million.

Trump also called Somali Minnesotans “pirates who ransacked Minnesota” and who reminded the country that “there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.”

Trump brought up the issue of illegal immigration several times during his speech. At one point he said, “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

Trump called on lawmakers to “end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who block the removal of criminal aliens.”

In response to one of his remarks, Omar yelled out: “You have killed Americans,” alluding to federal agents fatally shooting Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

All but one of Minnesota’s six congressional Democrats attended Trump’s State of the Union. All four of Minnesota’s congressional Republicans attended. Omar, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Reps. Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison and Betty McCollum remained seated for most of Trump’s speech as Republicans stood up to cheer on his remarks. Sen. Tina Smith did not attend and instead spoke at a counter-rally on the National Mall.

But the five Democrats made an exception to stand and cheer when the Olympic men’s hockey team entered the House chamber.

Trump’s State of the Union comes just over a week since the administration announced an end to Operation Metro Surge, which federal authorities said began in response to the fraud crisis in the state.

Trump’s immigration crackdown on Minnesota was widely unpopular according to recent polling, and Democratic lawmakers have remained skeptical about its wind down.

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(Eva Herscowitz and Jessie Van Berkel of the Minnesota Star Tribune contributed to this story.)