What's happened
Former President Trump has renewed his inflammatory remarks about Minnesota's Somali population, calling the governor 'seriously retarded' and accusing him of allowing an influx of Somali migrants. Governor Walz responded critically, highlighting the damaging nature of Trump's language amid ongoing political tensions over immigration and race. The story is current as of December 5, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The story reveals how political rhetoric can escalate tensions around immigration and race. Trump's repeated use of derogatory language and unfounded claims about Somali migrants serve to stoke division, likely benefiting his political base by framing immigration as a crisis. Walz's response, calling out the harmful language, underscores the ongoing struggle to balance immigration policies with social cohesion. This exchange exemplifies how inflammatory rhetoric can deepen societal divides, with potential consequences including increased hate crimes and political polarization. The timing suggests an attempt by Trump to energize his supporters ahead of upcoming elections, while Walz's stance emphasizes the importance of respectful discourse and factual policy debate. The story underscores the risks of politicizing immigration issues and the need for responsible leadership to prevent societal harm.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Trump doubled down on his claims, accusing Walz of allowing Somali migrants to 'take over' Minnesota and describing Somali-born Congresswoman Ilhan Omar negatively. The Independent highlights Walz's criticism of Trump's language, calling it 'damaging' and 'hateful,' and notes Walz's personal connection to disability advocacy. Both sources emphasize the political context, with Trump framing the issue as a national crisis and Walz defending his state's policies and condemning the rhetoric. The NY Post's coverage is more focused on Trump's inflammatory statements, while The Independent provides a broader perspective on the social impact of Trump's language and the political implications for Walz and other officials.
How we got here
The controversy stems from Trump's repeated accusations that Minnesota, under Governor Walz, has allowed a large Somali migrant population to take over the state. Trump claims this has led to increased crime and financial strain, and has used derogatory language to describe Walz and Somali immigrants. Walz has publicly responded, criticizing Trump's language and defending his state's immigration policies. The dispute is part of broader political debates over immigration and race in the US.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Did Trump Say About Governor Walz and Why Is It Making Headlines?
Recent comments from former President Donald Trump have sparked widespread controversy, especially his remarks about Minnesota Governor Walz. These insults have reignited debates over political rhetoric, immigration, and social tensions. Curious about what was said, how others are responding, and what it all means? Keep reading for answers to these pressing questions and more.
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Why Did Trump Attack Minnesota's Governor Over Immigration?
Recent remarks by former President Donald Trump have sparked controversy, especially regarding Minnesota's Somali community and its governor, Tim Walz. Trump’s inflammatory language has raised questions about the motives behind his attack and its broader implications. In this page, we explore why Trump targeted Minnesota, how his words impact race relations, and what this means for immigration debates and local communities. Read on to understand the full context and the reactions from officials and residents alike.
More on these topics
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Timothy James Walz is an American politician who is the governor-elect of Minnesota. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 1st congressional district since 2007.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.