President Donald Trump delivered a speech on October 12, 2026, in Youngstown, Ohio, targeting immigrants from Somalia and Haiti during a political rally aimed at supporting Republican candidates ahead of the upcoming elections.
In his address, Trump focused on immigration issues, accusing Somali and Haitian immigrants of negatively impacting the United States. He specifically referenced Somalis living in Minnesota, drawing comparisons with Haitians residing in Springfield, Ohio.
“If you want to save Ohio from the theft, looting, and destruction happening in Minnesota, we will put a stop to that,” Trump stated, adding that his administration has taken measures regarding the Haitian population in Springfield.
The president reiterated previous accusations against Haitians, claiming they engaged in the consumption of household pets. These allegations, which he had made during the 2024 presidential debate, were described as lacking substantiation.
Trump also expressed his support for the residents of Springfield, asserting that they are reclaiming their city and commending his administration’s policies that restrict immigration and the presence of Haitians in the country.
Throughout his speech, he placed considerable emphasis on the Somali community, using derogatory language to portray them as lacking intelligence and adequate clothing.
In recent times, Trump has consistently criticized the Somali community in Minnesota, which has a significant population of immigrants from Somalia.
These remarks coincided with a day when U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials conducted an investigation at the home of Ilhan Omar, a Democratic representative originally from Somalia, who serves in a district in Minnesota.
Trump’s remarks were part of a strategy to bolster support for Republican candidates as the midterm elections approach, specifically endorsing Senator Jon Husted, who is facing a challenge from Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown.
