Trump blasts Minnesota 'Somali pirates' in SOTU, appoints JD Vance to lead 'war on fraud'
.@POTUS: "The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption, and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception. Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems… pic.twitter.com/aPxzYs9PNa
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 25, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump intensified his criticism of Minnesota’s Somali community during his State of the Union address, labeling participants in local welfare scandals as 'Somali pirates' who have 'ransacked' the state.
To combat the corruption, Trump officially appointed Vice President JD Vance to lead a federal task force known as the 'war on fraud.'
Trump says Somali pirates ransacked Minnesota
During his speech, President Trump connected these fraud allegations to his broader stance on immigration and border security, suggesting that these issues are the result of open borders.
He remarked, “The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption, and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.”
He further linked the situation to the daily costs faced by citizens, stating, “Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here to the USA. And it is the American people who pay the price in higher medical bills, car insurance rates, rent, taxes, and perhaps most importantly, crime. We will take care of this problem. We're going to take care of this problem. We are not playing games.”
Trump alleges $19 billion pillaged from taxpayers in Minnesota
The President specifically targeted Minnesota as the epicenter of a massive pillaging of taxpayer funds, citing figures that far exceed previous estimates.
“When it comes to the corruption that is plundering it, really, it's plundering America, there's been no more stunning example than Minnesota, where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer,” Trump said.
He suggested the true scale of the fraud is 'much higher' and alleged that states like California, Massachusetts, and Maine are facing even more severe corruption that 'shreds the fabric of a nation.'
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump just announced JD VANCE is leading the new "WAR ON FRAUD" and Somali Rep. Ilhan Omar is LIVID
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 25, 2026
LET'S GO! Prosecute and deport the fraudsters!
"If we find enough fraud, we'll have a balanced budget! The Somali pirates who RANSACKED MINNESOTA remind us… pic.twitter.com/nIwP5GIx9T
Vance to lead ‘War on Fraud’ in Minnesota
To fight the crackdown, Trump announced that Vice President JD Vance will lead a new task force dedicated to stopping fraud.
“So tonight, although we started four months ago, I am officially announcing the war on fraud to be led by our great Vice President JD Vance,” the President declared.
“He'll get it done,” the President added. “And if we're able to find enough of that fraud, we will actually have a balanced budget overnight. It'll go very quickly. That's the kind of money you're talking about. We'll balance our budget.”