Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, recently took a stand in support of the state’s Somali community, donning a hijab in a new video released amid heated criticisms from President Trump. Her gesture was a powerful symbol of solidarity, as she delivered her message from the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis, surrounded by Somali leaders.
Flanagan, addressing the audience with the traditional Arabic greeting, “Salam alaikum,” made it clear that the Somali community is an integral part of Minnesota’s diverse cultural tapestry. “I am incredibly clear that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota,” she asserted, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and unity.
Her connection with the Somali leaders present was not just political but personal, as Flanagan expressed gratitude for her longstanding friendships within the community. “Being part of Minnesota and growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota,” she shared, highlighting the deep-rooted ties that have shaped her experiences.
Flanagan’s message was one of reassurance and support: “I wanted to encourage the community to just know that we’re with you, we’ve got your back.” Her words aimed to strengthen the bonds between the state’s leadership and its vibrant Somali population, at a time when unity is crucial.
‘Being part of Minnesota and growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota,’ she continued.
‘So, I wanted to encourage the community to just know that we’re with you, we’ve got your back.’
Flanagan’s remarks come weeks after Trump called Somali migrants ‘garbage’ after a massive healthcare scam in the state was exposed, in which a majority of the dozens of defendants were of Somali descent.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan came under scrutiny for donning a hijab as she defended the state’s Somali population amid attacks from President Trump
Flanagan’s remarks come as President Trump has accused the Somali community in Minnesota of being responsible for an alleged healthcare scam in the state, and has demanded they repay hundreds of millions he says was stolen
Flanagan toured a Somali market as she spoke the day after Christmas, and she said she was using the appearance to encourage others to ‘show up and support our Somali businesses and our immigrant neighbors.’
‘I know that things are scary right now, and just know there are more people who are looking out for you, and there are more people who are here to support you.
‘I will continue to stand with the Somali community and to do all I can to return the friendship that the Somali community has shown me.’
The Lieutenant Governor is the highest-ranking Native American woman to hold elected office in the US, and has said she is a Catholic.
Flanagan is a leading contender for the US Senate election in Minnesota next year, a fact another critic cited as they offered a one word response to her speech: ‘Wow.’
Flanagan is Lt. Governor to Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz
The Lieutenant Governor is the highest-ranking Native American woman to hold elected office in the US, and has said she is a Catholic, leading some to question why she wore a hijab to show her support
Flanagan is a leading contender for the US Senate election in Minnesota next year, a fact another critic cited as they offered a one word response to her speech: ‘Wow’
Another compared Flanagan’s remarks to Democrats including Nancy Pelosi donning traditional African scarves in 2020 to show their support for the Black Lives Matter protests at the time
The Daily Mail has contacted Flanagan’s office for comment.
Flanagan did not elaborate on Trump’s attacks beyond saying it was a ‘scary time’ for Minnesota’s Somali community.
But her support comes as Trump’s administration is moving to claw back hundreds of millions of dollars stolen in a massive healthcare scam in Minnesota.
Last week, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill fired off repayment demands to the sponsors of immigrants who became dependent of public benefits.
Longstanding federal law requires the sponsors of immigrants to repay means tested public benefits, but the law is rarely enforced.
The letters, seen by the Daily Mail, warn that anyone who fails to pay up will face aggressive federal action ‘by all available means.’
The crackdown is the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s response to mounting evidence of rampant fraud in Minnesota — much of it centered in parts of the state’s Somali community.
‘Federal records indicate that as a sponsor for [redacted] immigration to the United States you agreed to provide financial support so that [redacted] would not be excludable as a public charge who is dependent on government benefits, read a letter from O’Neill to reported fraudsters obtained by the Daily Mail.
The deputy secretary signed at least ten letters tied to sponsored individuals enrolled in Medicaid, according a source familiar with the department’s actions.
Medicaid and Medicare are taxpayer funded programs for individuals in the United States who are in the most need.
