Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison posted a video on X stating that the state is stronger because of its Somali neighbors and that residents stand together against hate. In the clip, Ellison and another man appear outdoors and criticize recent comments by President Trump regarding the Somali community in Minnesota, describing them as reckless and calling for unity. The post quickly drew hundreds of replies, with many users questioning the claim by referencing ongoing fraud investigations and welfare costs linked to some members of the community.
In the clip, Ellison appears outdoors with another man near parked cars and apartment buildings. They address recent statements by President Trump. Ellison says, “The recent attack on Minnesota Somalis by President Trump is reckless, dangerous, disgraceful,” and later notes, “We must stand together. We must condemn the statement made by the president and make sure that we stand for safety for all.”
The other man states that such attacks “can lead to violence” and “create intimidation, fear, and hate.” Ellison adds that “the issue is when the most powerful man in the world is calling for violence against a community. This is wrong. It’s scapegoating, and we must all condemn it.”
The post text emphasizes standing together and not letting hate define the state. The footage focuses on the speakers’ response to the president’s comments and their call for unity. It shows no specific incidents, prior events, or other context beyond the outdoor recording.
The post arrives amid ongoing public discussion of fraud investigations in Minnesota social service programs involving some individuals from the Somali community, as well as earlier federal actions in the state.
Online Responses to Attorney General Ellison’s Video and Post
Some users challenged the claim that the community makes the state stronger, with one writing, “Your bank account is the only thing made stronger by Somali scammers.” Another said, “We legal MN citizens are tired of being ripped off by Somalia fraudsters and the corrupt @MinnesotaDFL. Take your BS somewhere else.”
Several others referenced reported welfare rates, including one who stated, “89% of Somalis with children are on some government assistance. They are a net drain on society.”
In related coverage of statements defending the community, some Minnesotans expressed different views. A former local Democratic official told a reporter, “I love my Somali friends and neighbors. They make Minnesota a better place.”
On earlier Facebook posts by Ellison addressing similar topics, some commenters described positive neighbor interactions, with one noting, “My Somali neighbors, completely unprompted, immediately asked if we needed help when they saw us moving out our couch this summer. They so kindly helped us carry our very heavy couch the very long walk to our U-Haul from our apartment unit.”
The post and video remain part of ongoing online discussion around the attorney general’s statements and related community issues in Minnesota. It is not clear whether the exchange will affect broader conversations beyond the responses already visible on social media.
