(Columbus, OH, 12/04/25)— The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned recent remarks made by President Donald Trump that targeted Somali Americans and Somali immigrants.
The President’s latest statements continue a troubling pattern of rhetoric directed at Somali and Muslim communities, contributing to an environment of fear, hostility, and scapegoating. Such language has real consequences for families and communities who already face elevated levels of discrimination.
SEE: Trump says he doesn’t want Somalis in the US, urges them to go back to their homeland and fix it
Khalid Turaani, CAIR-Ohio’s Executive Director, said, “President Trump’s remarks are not just hurtful, they are dangerous. When the President of the United States publicly declares that an entire community is unwelcome, that rhetoric fuels real-world consequences. It shows up as bullying in our schools, hostility in our workplaces, and harassment in our neighborhoods. Somali Americans are our neighbors and colleagues, and they make Ohio stronger. They deserve dignity, safety, and respect, not to be scapegoated for political gain.”
Ohio is home to a vibrant and deeply rooted Somali American community whose contributions strengthen the cultural, economic, and civic fabric of our state. CAIR-Ohio condems the President’s remarks and stands firmly with Somali Americans and Somali immigrants in Ohio and across the nation.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
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Contact:
CAIR Ohio Executive Director Khalid Turaani, KTuraani@cair.com, (614) 401-6692
CAIR Ohio Government Affairs and Outreach Coordinator Caisha Abdullahi, Cabdullahi@cair.com, (614) 401-2920
