WASHINGTON, D.C. Nov 27, 2025 – In a fiery Oval Office address broadcast on Thanksgiving evening, President Donald J. Trump unleashed a blistering critique of U.S. aid to Somalia and its immigration policies, declaring an end to accepting Somali nationals amid claims of widespread “trouble” and financial exploitation. The remarks, shared via the official America PAC account on X, have electrified supporters while drawing sharp rebukes from immigration advocates, amplifying debates on foreign aid and border security just hours after the nation mourned the loss of a fallen National Guardsman.
Flanked by American flags and signing documents at the Resolute Desk, Trump—dressed in his signature red tie and dark suit—did not mince words in the 48-second clip, which has already amassed thousands of views and hundreds of likes. “Somalis have caused a lot of trouble,” he stated bluntly, gesturing emphatically. “They’re ripping us off for a lot of money… What the hell are we paying money to Somalia for? We’re not taking their people anymore. We’re getting a lot of their people out because they’re nothing but trouble.” The video, timestamped shortly after midnight GMT, captures the president in full command of the ornate room, with aides visible in the background, underscoring the gravity of his off-the-cuff delivery.
The comments come against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on U.S. immigration, particularly following the tragic death of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom earlier that day from injuries sustained in a D.C. attack allegedly linked to an Afghan assailant. Trump’s words appear to broaden the narrative, targeting Somalia—a nation receiving over $1 billion in annual U.S. humanitarian and development aid—as a symbol of what he called “wasteful” spending. White House officials have yet to release a full transcript, but sources indicate the remarks were impromptu, prompted by questions on foreign policy during a holiday briefing.
Online, the post from @america—a political action committee founded by Elon Musk to champion “Secure Borders” and “Sensible Spending”—has sparked a torrent of reactions. Supporters rallied with unbridled enthusiasm: “President Trump protecting America first! No more wasting money or letting troublemakers in—strong leadership that puts Americans ahead! 🇺🇸,” tweeted @TheKingCorcoran, echoing calls from @MAGAWorld4896 to “Deport all Somalis in MN to Somalia!” Others, like @JVR926, demanded immediate action: “Get these criminals the HELL OUT!!” Conservative commentator @ConsvAF simply posted “💯💯” alongside a supportive image, while @DK_ForCongress urged, “Send them all back!”
Critics, however, decried the rhetoric as inflammatory and xenophobic. Immigration rights groups, including the ACLU, swiftly condemned the statements, with one spokesperson telling reporters, “This isn’t leadership—it’s scapegoating that endangers lives and ignores the contributions of Somali Americans.” On X, users like @moymiz pushed back by broadening the call: “Ban every terrorist nation to come here… void their visas… expel the ones here,” while others, such as @falout101, shared memes amplifying the controversy. The thread has ballooned to over a dozen replies, with engagement surging as the video loops across MAGA networks.
Trump’s stance aligns with his long-standing “America First” agenda, which includes executive orders to review refugee programs and curb remittances to high-risk countries. Somalia, a key U.S. ally in counterterrorism efforts against al-Shabaab, has resettled thousands of refugees in states like Minnesota, home to the largest Somali diaspora in the U.S. Aid cuts could ripple through global stability, experts warn, potentially exacerbating famine and unrest in the Horn of Africa. “We’re talking about lives on the line here, not just dollars,” noted a State Department analyst, speaking anonymously.
As Thanksgiving gatherings wind down, Trump’s unfiltered Oval Office moment serves as a stark reminder of the administration’s priorities: fortify borders, slash foreign outlays, and prioritize domestic security. With midterm elections looming and public sentiment on immigration at a fever pitch, this latest salvo could redefine the political fault lines.
The America PAC, focused on backing candidates for fair justice and free speech, continues to amplify such messages, positioning itself at the vanguard of the border debate. Whether this rhetoric translates to policy remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the holiday truce on tough talk is over.
