Uncategorized

Trump calls Somalia “not even a country” in latest attack on Mogadishu-based govt

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – US President Donald Trump has once again criticized Somalia, raising questions about the legitimacy and stability of the country’s federal government. Speaking during his Thanksgiving address this week, Trump described Somalia as “a decadent, backward, and crime-ridden nation,” asserting that it is “essentially not even a country” due to the lack of functioning government institutions, military, police, and schools.The president’s comments follow a series of attacks targeting Somali immigrants in the United States, as well as Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who represents Minnesota. In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly claimed that Somalia has no government and went so far as to question whether the country even has a president.Trump’s latest remarks mark a departure from his previous critiques, amplifying the narrative that Somalia is not a sovereign state. Analysts and Somali officials have expressed concern that such statements could undermine international efforts to stabilise the country, particularly given that the United States is Somalia’s largest external backer and a key partner in the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab.Many Somalis are questioning the motivation behind Trump’s repeated attacks. Some observers suggest the president’s comments reflect either contempt for Somalia’s fragile institutions or a blunt acknowledgment of the government’s reliance on US support. Others argue that the persistent criticism may serve to delegitimize Somali authorities, portraying them as ineffective or beholden to foreign interests.Somali government officials have largely refrained from responding publicly to Trump’s remarks, a silence that some interpret as an attempt to avoid provoking further US anger. Analysts warn, however, that such repeated denunciations could play into Al-Shabaab’s propaganda, which often frames the Somali federal government as a puppet of Western powers lacking popular legitimacy.Trump’s attacks come at a time when Somalia continues to struggle with political instability, security challenges, and reliance on international aid. Despite years of state-building efforts and US support, questions about the government’s capacity and legitimacy remain central to debates about the country’s future.Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com

admin November 30, 2025 2 min read

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – US President Donald Trump has once again criticized Somalia, raising questions about the legitimacy and stability of the country’s federal government. Speaking during his Thanksgiving address this week, Trump described Somalia as “a decadent, backward, and crime-ridden nation,” asserting that it is “essentially not even a country” due to the lack of functioning government institutions, military, police, and schools.

The president’s comments follow a series of attacks targeting Somali immigrants in the United States, as well as Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who represents Minnesota. In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly claimed that Somalia has no government and went so far as to question whether the country even has a president.

Trump’s latest remarks mark a departure from his previous critiques, amplifying the narrative that Somalia is not a sovereign state. Analysts and Somali officials have expressed concern that such statements could undermine international efforts to stabilise the country, particularly given that the United States is Somalia’s largest external backer and a key partner in the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Many Somalis are questioning the motivation behind Trump’s repeated attacks. Some observers suggest the president’s comments reflect either contempt for Somalia’s fragile institutions or a blunt acknowledgment of the government’s reliance on US support. Others argue that the persistent criticism may serve to delegitimize Somali authorities, portraying them as ineffective or beholden to foreign interests.

Somali government officials have largely refrained from responding publicly to Trump’s remarks, a silence that some interpret as an attempt to avoid provoking further US anger. Analysts warn, however, that such repeated denunciations could play into Al-Shabaab’s propaganda, which often frames the Somali federal government as a puppet of Western powers lacking popular legitimacy.

Trump’s attacks come at a time when Somalia continues to struggle with political instability, security challenges, and reliance on international aid. Despite years of state-building efforts and US support, questions about the government’s capacity and legitimacy remain central to debates about the country’s future.