WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Somalia, describing the country as insecure and plagued by corruption in remarks that have drawn sharp reactions.
Speaking in Washington, Trump said Somalia was a “beautiful country” but controversially claimed its people were “inferior,” comments that quickly triggered widespread condemnation and debate.
The president also launched a fresh verbal attack on Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives, repeating earlier disputed allegations about her immigration history.
Trump’s latest remarks are part of a pattern of criticism he has directed at Somalia in the past, frequently portraying its government and security institutions as weak and ineffective.
The comments came as Trump had been expected to address a range of domestic issues, but instead focused much of his speech on Somalia and specific political figures.
There has been no immediate official response from Somali authorities, though previous statements of a similar nature have prompted diplomatic concern and criticism from advocacy groups and political leaders.
