ST. PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz faulted President Trump for using Somali refugees in Minnesota as pawns in a desperate attempt to divert public attention from his exponentially exploding Epstein pedophile scandal. “It’s not surprising that the President has chosen to broadly target an entire community,” Walz posted. “This is what he does to change the subject.” Among other Democratic responses toTrump’s Somali deportation plan:
> Ilhan Omar, a U.S. House member from Minneapolis, herself of Somali descent: “I am a citizen and so are majority of Somalis in America. Good luck celebrating a policy change that really doesn’t have much impact on the Somalis you love to hate. We are here to stay.”
> Zack Stephenson, Democratic caucus leader in Minnesota House: “This is the worst of what he does best. His policies are driving up the cost of everything from food to health care and he knows it. But instead of actually trying to solve these problems, Trump tries to change the subject by pitting Minnesotans against one another. Scapegoating our Somali neighbors won’t bring down the cost of groceries. Minnesotans know that the Somali community is part of the fabric of our state.”
> Erin Murphy, Democratic caucus leader in Minnesota Senate: “Trump is villainizing a small number of residents of Minnesota who came to this country seeking refuge from armed conflict and famine. They are the victims of violence and worthy of our protection and compassion. Ending their protected status would not make Minnesotans safer, but it would return these families to the danger they fled. This is a cruel, illegal order from a corrupt and vindictive President.”