Here’s what Trump just did.
Trump Ends TPS for Somalis in Minnesota, Citing Fraud and Security Concerns
President Donald Trump made a major announcement Friday, confirming he is immediately ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis living in Minnesota, pointing to what he called “massive fraud,” “Somali gang activity,” and “billions of dollars missing.”
The president criticized Democrat Gov. Tim Walz for allowing Minnesota to become, in Trump’s words, “a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity.”
On Truth Social, Trump declared:
“I am ending the TPS designation for Somalis in Minnesota right now. These Somali gangs have been wreaking havoc across the state, and massive amounts of money have vanished. They need to go back. This ends today.”
His announcement instantly ignited a nationwide debate over immigration enforcement, national security, and the lack of accountability within blue-state welfare programs.
What Is TPS and Why It Matters
The TPS program has existed since the 1990s, offering migrants from unstable or disaster-stricken countries temporary legal status and work authorization in the U.S.
Under President Biden, TPS protections for Somali nationals were renewed in July 2024 and extended through March 2026, continuing the administration’s broader expansion of temporary legal programs for migrants.
Federal data shows 705 Somalis were enrolled in TPS as of March, though it is unclear how many reside in Minnesota.
Ilhan Omar Reacts—But Downplays the Impact
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), one of Congress’s most controversial progressive figures, responded quickly.
Omar, who is Somali-born, suggested Trump’s move would not significantly affect Minnesota’s larger Somali community.
She posted on X:
“I’m a U.S. citizen, and so are most Somalis living here. This policy shift will barely affect our community, no matter how much some people wish it would. We’re not going anywhere.”
For many conservatives, her dismissive tone only reinforced concerns about lack of accountability and growing extremism within certain migrant networks.
Investigators: Minnesota Welfare Fraud May Be Funding Terror Groups
Trump’s decision comes just days after a shocking City Journal investigation uncovered evidence that millions in stolen Minnesota taxpayer dollars may have been funneled to the Somalia-based terror group al-Shabab.
The report—supported by former state fraud investigators, state lawmakers, and federal counterterrorism officials—revealed:
- The vast majority of defendants in several major Minnesota fraud cases were Somali or Somali American.
- Money stolen from Minnesota welfare programs, including childcare and food aid, has been sent overseas.
- Some funds may have been inadvertently routed to extremist groups, raising serious national-security concerns.
This revelation intensified pressure on the federal government to take aggressive action—something Trump has been vocal about returning to since reclaiming the presidency.
Minnesota Democrats Silent as Questions Grow
Despite the scale of the allegations, the White House, DHS, and Gov. Walz’s office refused to comment, offering no explanation for how such massive fraud went unchecked.
The silence has only fueled concerns among taxpayers, seniors, and law-and-order voters who feel Minnesota’s leadership has failed to protect public funds and public safety.
What Comes Next: Immigration, Security, and Trump’s Agenda
Trump’s move to end TPS for Somalis in Minnesota signals a broader return to strict immigration enforcement, anti-fraud crackdowns, and national-security-focused policy.
For many conservatives—especially older Americans concerned about safety, border control, and wasted tax dollars—this announcement underscores why Trump remains committed to “putting America first” in every federal program.