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In a powerful display of unity and cultural respect, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan visited the Karmel Somali Market on Friday to offer a firm defense of the state’s Somali population. Wearing a hijab as a gesture of solidarity, Flanagan addressed a crowd of community members and local leaders, sending a clear message of support amidst a climate of heightened political tension and federal scrutiny.
The Lieutenant Governor, who is the highest-ranking Native American woman in U.S. elective office, opened her remarks with the traditional Arabic greeting, "Salam alaikum." Her appearance comes at a critical juncture for Minnesota, as the Somali community faces intense rhetoric from the Trump administration following investigations into large-scale healthcare and pandemic-related fraud.
"I am incredibly clear that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota," Flanagan stated, flanked by prominent community figures. Reflecting on her personal ties to the neighborhood, she added, "Growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota. I wanted to encourage everyone to know that we are with you; we’ve got your back."
The visit follows recent statements from President Trump, who has targeted the community with sharp criticism, labeling certain elements as "garbage" and characterizing the state as a "hub of fraudulent money laundering." These accusations stem from the "Feeding Our Future" scandal and subsequent probes into Medicaid programs, which federal prosecutors suggest could involve losses reaching into the hundreds of millions, and potentially higher according to some estimates.
The administration has recently escalated its response. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill has issued formal repayment demands to the sponsors of immigrants who received public benefits, warning of aggressive federal action against those who fail to comply. Despite these pressures, Flanagan used her platform on the day after Christmas to urge Minnesotans to "show up and support our Somali businesses and our immigrant neighbors."
"I know that things are scary right now," Flanagan acknowledged, "but there are more people who are looking out for you and here to support you than those who are not. I will continue to stand with the Somali community and do all I can to return the friendship they have shown me."
Flanagan’s move has drawn both praise for its inclusivity and criticism from political opponents. As she prepares for a 2026 U.S. Senate run, her actions are being viewed through the lens of a shifting political landscape where Minnesota’s identity as a sanctuary for diverse populations is being tested. While critics have questioned the symbolism of her wearing a hijab given her Catholic faith, supporters see it as a necessary act of empathy for a community currently feeling marginalized.
The Lieutenant Governor’s visit serves as a defiant rebuttal to federal pressure, emphasizing that Minnesota's strength lies in its diversity. As the state awaits a comprehensive audit of the fraud cases due in January, Flanagan remains steadfast in her commitment to protecting all residents from broad-brush attacks, reinforcing her vision of "One Minnesota."
