Minneapolis’ far-left mayor under fire for giving victory speech in a foreign language: 'Humiliating’

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: After securing his third term, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sparked a firestorm on social media when he addressed the crowd in Somali, thanking and invoking several Somali regions by name in a gesture meant to honor the city’s large Somali community.

The moment quickly drew backlash online, with critics labeling the speech as humiliating.

Conservatives slam Jacob Frey for speaking Somali in victory speech

The video of the speech was posted online, showing Jacob Frey leading chants in Somali as the crowd responded and applauded, which drew immediate backlash from conservatives.

Popular conservative influencer Paul Szypula ripped into the progressive mayor, writing, "The pandering here is insane." "Mayor Jacob Frey, as he won reelection, spoke almost a minute in Somalia then said Minneapolis belongs to Somalia," said Szypula.

Conservative pundit Gerry Callahan slammed Frey’s speech, saying, "This is an American politician, raised in America, educated in America, ostensibly representing Americans, prostrating himself in front of bunch of foreigners. Could be the most humiliating thing I’ve ever seen."

Podcaster Matt Walsh also chimed in, writing, "As I have said many times now, politicians in this country should be required by law to speak English when addressing the public in an official capacity. There should never be a time when Americans can’t understand what their elected leaders are saying."

Nick Sortor wrote, "I don’t know how large ICE’s presence in Minneapolis is, but it needs to be much, MUCH larger." 

Jacob Frey’s Somali remarks in victory speech spark renewed controversy

"To the great people of Minneapolis, and I say that very intentionally, because no matter where you are from, Minneapolis should be a place where you are proud to call home," he said.

He then listed several Somalian regions, saying, "Whether you are from Bosaso or Mogadishu, whether you are from Hargeisa or Garowe, whether you are from Beledweyne or southwest, Minneapolis is a place where you come to seek prosperity, where you come to raise your family."

"Here is what this election means. This election means this is a moment for unity, where the entire Somali community can come together and say, ‘This is our people. This is our city. We are united behind each other,'" he said. 

Jacob Frey wins Minneapolis race after narrow ranked-choice victory over Omar Fateh

In the second round of the city’s nonpartisan ranked-choice voting, Jacob Frey narrowly won against Minneapolis state Senator Omar Fateh, who identifies as a socialist. Fateh made history as the first Somalian American and the first Muslim elected to the state Senate.

Fateh had the backing of the Twin Cities chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and “Squad” member Rep Ilhan Omar (D-Minn), who represents Minneapolis in the US House of Representatives.

Frey’s campaign this year was endorsed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, former Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate last year who is up for re-election next year, and Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.