Washington DC, United States – US President Donald Trump has once more criticized Somalia, questioning the legitimacy and stability of the nation’s federal government. During his Thanksgiving address this week, Trump called Somalia “a decadent, backward, and crime-ridden nation,” claiming it is “essentially not even a country” owing to the absence of functioning government institutions, military, police, and schools.
The President’s statements come after a series of attacks aimed at Somali immigrants in the United States, along with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who represents Minnesota. In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly asserted that Somalia lacks a government and even questioned whether the country has a President.
Trump’s recent comments represent a shift from his earlier criticisms, intensifying the portrayal of Somalia as lacking sovereignty. Analysts and Somali officials worry that such rhetoric might weaken international stabilization initiatives, especially since the United States serves as Somalia’s primary external supporter and vital ally against the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Many Somalis are puzzled by the reasons behind Trump’s ongoing attacks. Some analysts view the remarks as disdain for Somalia’s fragile institutions or a stark recognition of the government’s dependence on US aid. Others contend that the continued criticism aims to discredit Somali leaders, depicting them as inept or controlled by outside forces.
Somali government officials have mostly avoided public responses to Trump’s statements, a restraint some see as an effort to prevent escalating US irritation. However, analysts caution that these recurrent condemnations could bolster Al-Shabaab’s propaganda, which frequently depicts the Somali federal government as a Western puppet devoid of genuine public support.
Trump’s criticisms occur amid Somalia’s ongoing battles with political turmoil, security threats, and heavy reliance on foreign assistance. Despite prolonged state-building attempts and US backing, doubts about the government’s effectiveness and legitimacy continue to dominate discussions on the nation’s path forward.
