Somalis reacted with concern Wednesday (December 3) after President Trump called them "garbage" and said their country "stinks" during a cabinet meeting.

Trump alleged Somalis “just run around killing each other” and claimed the U.S. does not want them in the country. His remarks followed renewed attacks on Somali Americans after a Washington shooting, though authorities charged an Afghan national in that case.

In Mogadishu, residents condemned the language. “It was inappropriate,” said Abdisalan Ahmed, while foreign exchange operator Adan Bakar noted Trump’s words directly affect Somalis living in Somalia.

Local media reported that Somalia's Prime Minister took a more diplomatic approach, saying Trump had insulted many nations and it was better to ignore his words than elevate them.

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Somalis condemn Trump remarks, call them inappropriate

Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, 16:40

REUTERS

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Somalis condemn Trump remarks, call them inappropriate

VIDEO SHOWS: VEHICLES DRIVING PAST IN MOGADISHU / RESIDENTS COMMENTING ON PRESIDENT TRUMP'S COMMENTS ABOUT SOMALI PEOPLE

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT AND SHOTLIST.

SHOWS: MOGADISHU, SOMALIA (DECEMBER 3, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF VEHICLES DRIVING PAST IN MOGADISHU STREETS

2. SIGN BOARD SHOWING FOREX EXCHANGE OFFICE

3. VARIOUS OF FOREX EXCHANGE AGENT, ADEN BAKAR, IN HIS SHOP

4. BAKAR COUNTING DOLLAR NOTES

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Somali) FOREX EXCHANGE AGENT, ADAN BAKAR, SAYING:

"While Trump is the President of the United States, we are Somali citizens living in our own country. His decisions do not affect us directly because we have our own identity and sovereignty as Somalis."

6. VARIOUS OF PERSON SITTING ON FLOOR COUNTING MONEY

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Somali) RESIDENT, ABDISALAN AHMED, SAYING:

“President Trump's comment about Somali people being garbage was inappropriate. Somali individuals in America hold significant dignity within their communities, and his remarks were a grave mistake.”

8. VARIOUS OF MOTORBIKES AND VEHICLES DRIVING PAST / PEOPLE WALKING ON STREET