Minnesota leaders defend the Somali community after a blistering attack by Trump

Minnesota has the largest population of Somali immigrants in the U.S., a community that has recently faced significant challenges due to President Trump's announcement to terminate temporary legal protections for Somali migrants. This decision has raised fears and legal questions among the immigrant community regarding their future in the state.

Federal forces have initiated an immigration enforcement operation in New Orleans, Louisiana, known as Operation Catahoula Crunch, targeting undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration's intensified crackdown. Images have surfaced showing arrests being made on the streets of the city, which has been described as a sanctuary for immigrants. This operation follows similar actions in other Democratic-led cities, such as Charlotte, North Carolina.

President Trump has continued his verbal attacks on Somali immigrants, stating they have 'destroyed our country' and suggesting that Representative Ilhan Omar should not serve in Congress. This marks the second consecutive day of such disparaging remarks, reflecting a pattern of negative rhetoric towards this community.

Former President Trump has announced plans to transform Dulles Airport into a modern facility, aiming to create 'something really spectacular' that addresses long-standing criticisms of its outdated infrastructure. The airport, a vital international gateway, has been described as feeling stuck in the 1960s, prompting calls for significant upgrades.

A federal investigation has been launched into alleged fraud within Minnesota's Somali community, linked to a COVID-19 aid scheme that reportedly defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) of approximately $1 billion. This probe is part of ongoing scrutiny into the misuse of pandemic relief funds, particularly involving community organizations associated with Governor Tim Walz's administration.

In a special election held on December 2, 2025, Republican Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District by a margin of 52% to 46%. Despite the loss, Democratic National Committee officials interpreted the results as a potential warning sign for the GOP, particularly in light of former President Trump's diminished campaigning efforts leading up to the election.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized The New York Times' coverage of former President Trump's health during the DealBook Summit, predicting a decline in the newspaper's credibility over time. Bessent's remarks highlight concerns regarding the media's portrayal of Trump, particularly in relation to his health and energy levels.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for the release of video footage from a second military strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in Caribbean waters, amid increasing scrutiny of U.S. military operations in the region. This follows a controversial strike that has raised legal and ethical questions regarding the administration's approach to combating drug trafficking.