Why are President Trump, mainstream media outlets, and some members of the MAGA base collectively attacking the Somali American community?
In the past 24 hours, some American social media platforms and mainstream outlets — including conservative channels like Fox News — have been targeting the Somali community in Minnesota, accusing them of “massive fraud.” These claims have circulated widely despite being unfounded, according to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Not only Fox News, but other media outlets have also labeled the entire Somali community in Minnesota as involved in fraudulent activities. The Minnesota Attorney General has yet to release any evidence of funds sent from Minnesota to the terror group Al Shabab. Yet, Fox News has branded the whole community as complicit. Furthermore, President Trump echoed similar sentiments, describing Minnesota as a hub for money laundering linked to the Somali community.
Adding to the controversy, billionaire Elon Musk shared tweets from Benny Johnson, accusing the Somali community of widespread fraud. Musk retweeted and endorsed these claims, further spreading the narrative.
This is an unprecedented moment where an entire minority community is being targeted and criticized collectively by a coordinated media and political campaign. President Trump has previously threatened to sue the BBC for heavily editing his speech during the 2021 Capitol riots. Suppose the president considers legal action against a media organization for editing his words. What accountability exists for the entire Somali community being targeted by these outlets, Trump supporters, and financiers like Elon Musk and Fox News?
