Faith Nyasuguta
A coalition of leaders from the Somali-American community in Minnesota gathered at the State Capitol on Saturday to show their support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The rally, which included community, business, and youth leaders, aimed to express solidarity with Trump and his Senate candidate, JD Vance. One speaker emphasized the group’s endorsement, stating, “We are gathered today, to fully support and endorse President Trump and JD Vance.”
The rally highlighted key issues concerning the Somali community, such as the desire for peace, economic stability, family values, and education. Multiple imams addressed the crowd, reinforcing Trump’s appeal among Somali and broader Muslim Americans. One imam particularly praised Trump’s policies, asserting his commitment to making America both great and safe.
A standout moment came from Mohamed Ahmed, a Somali-American Republican activist and founder of the Republican People of Color political action committee. Ahmed delivered a powerful critique of the American left, which quickly gained traction on social media. “I love Trump,” he stated. “And the reason why is because he’s a fighter. That’s it. We like fighters.”
Ahmed emphasized a sense of abandonment felt by the community, saying, “The left left us.” He pointed out alarming statistics, noting that thirty-three percent of Minnesota third graders are not reading at grade level. Once ranked among the top ten states for education, Minnesota has now fallen to 19th place.
Discussing economic challenges, Ahmed remarked, “Our condition is horrible. We can’t afford anything, as working-class and middle-class people.” He acknowledged the community’s relationships with Democratic friends, saying, “We love our brothers and sisters who are Democrats but you left us.” He urged attendees to shift their political allegiance, calling for support for Trump and other Republican candidates in upcoming Congressional races.
The rally marked a significant moment in Minnesota politics, as members of the Somali-American community expressed a desire for change, prioritizing economic issues, education reform, and a more robust political voice within the Republican Party. The event marked a noteworthy alignment of cultural identity with political action, highlighting a growing trend among minority communities in the U.S. to seek representation that resonates with their values and concerns.
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