Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Mogadishu after President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Somali immigrants. According to protestors, Trump referred to Somalis as “garbage”,a statement that has quickly gained traction among those eager to be offended.

The controversy was ignited when President Trump, during a cabinet meeting, reportedly said Somali Americans “contribute nothing” and are not wanted in the United States. Of course, these comments spread like wildfire on social media, encouraging the usual parade of critics to label his words as “racist” and “dehumanizing.”

In the heart of Mogadishu, crowds brandished placards and banners, dramatically denouncing Trump’s statements. Iconic photos of US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar,a frequent Trump adversary,were waved in the air for maximum effect. Protestors chanted slogans like “We are not garbage!” and “Respect Somalia!” in a bid to capture the world’s attention.

Ridwan Mohamud, a protest organizer, didn’t hold back, calling Trump “trash” and accusing the president of using distraction tactics. “Since he failed in his politics, he is trying to divert public attention,” Mohamud declared. The rhetoric was echoed throughout the crowd, framing Trump’s remarks as a full-scale assault on Somali dignity.

Another protester, Fadumo Ahmed, was quick to join the chorus, declaring, “Trump has violated our dignity and we will not accept what he called us.” Her words,like many others,seemed designed for maximum outrage, highlighting Somali pride and painting Trump as out of touch.

The Somali community in the US, especially in Minnesota, has rallied behind Congresswoman Omar, who predictably used the moment to call for “unity and resilience,” while urging Americans to reject divisive language. Omar, who is no stranger to heated exchanges with the president, seized the spotlight once again.

Trump’s comments reportedly followed allegations of social security fraud in Minnesota,a state with a large Somali population. Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, wasted no time jumping into the fray, lauding Somali Americans' “contributions” and decrying what they called hateful rhetoric. “We reject hate and division,” Walz proclaimed in a statement.

As expected, the international community was quick to pile on. Human rights groups and advocacy organizations issued the standard condemnations, warning that such language could fuel xenophobia,an argument heard countless times before.

Protesters insisted the demonstrations were about more than one insult, framing their reaction as a matter of “identity and resilience.” As one unnamed participant put it, “No one can take our history away from us, no matter what they say.”

As the demonstration wound down, organizers called for ongoing “solidarity” and vigilance against hate speech, urging world leaders to adopt what they described as respect for all. Whether these performative protests will lead to substantive change remains to be seen.