In a powerful gesture of solidarity, Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has donned a hijab in a public defence of the state's Somali community, following inflammatory remarks from former President Donald Trump.
A Public Show of Support at Somali Market
The incident unfolded on Friday, the day after Christmas, at the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis. Flanagan, who is a leading contender for the US Senate election in Minnesota next year, was flanked by local Somali leaders as she addressed the community. She opened her remarks with the traditional Arabic greeting, 'Salam alaikum'.
'I am incredibly clear that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota,' Flanagan stated emphatically. Citing her long-standing friendships within the community, she added, 'Being part of Minnesota and growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota.'
Her message was one of unwavering support during what she called a 'scary time.' 'I wanted to encourage the community to just know that we're with you, we've got your back,' she said, urging others to 'show up and support our Somali businesses and our immigrant neighbours.'
Political Backdrop: Fraud Allegations and Repayment Demands
Flanagan's public appearance comes weeks after former President Trump labelled Somali migrants as 'garbage'. This attack followed the exposure of a massive healthcare scam in Minnesota, where a majority of the dozens of defendants were of Somali descent.
The Trump administration is now actively seeking to reclaim hundreds of millions of dollars allegedly stolen in the fraud. Last week, Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill issued formal repayment demands to the sponsors of immigrants who later became dependent on public benefits.
While longstanding federal law requires such sponsors to repay means-tested benefits, enforcement is rare. Letters obtained by the Daily Mail warn that failure to pay will result in aggressive federal action 'by all available means.' At least ten letters are tied to sponsored individuals enrolled in Medicaid, a taxpayer-funded programme.
Criticism and Context of the Gesture
Flanagan's decision to wear the hijab has drawn scrutiny from some critics, who questioned the move given that she is the highest-ranking Native American woman elected to US office and has stated she is Catholic. One critic responded to her speech with a single, sarcastic word: 'Wow.' Others compared it to Democrats like Nancy Pelosi wearing traditional African scarves during Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
Despite the criticism, Flanagan's stance was clear. '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,' she concluded, framing her actions as a direct response to the divisive rhetoric and federal crackdown emanating from the previous administration.
